"A very thoughtful debut from the Austin, Texas vocalist, guitarist and kalimba player Natalie Price, these self-described ‘Ameri-kinda’ songs bring in some excellent help for the emotive and dreamy climate.

“Done” opens the listen with Stephanie Lambring’s distinct voice and Josh Kaler’s dense electric guitar making for a rugged yet melodic climate, and “The Island” follows with Mary Bragg’s pretty pipes and Liz Estes’ graceful violin complementing the bright kalimba."

During the Saturday, November 18, finals, Price showcased five songs with infectious hooks that felt like instant hits. Her grand prize package includes a fully funded EP, recorded and mixed at Citizen Studios, plus 100 vinyl records pressed at Citizen Vinyl.

“Natalie’s storytelling within her singing and songwriting held the audience in her grasp,” said LEAF Performing Arts Coordinator and NewSong judge Otto Vazquez. “Like puppets on a string, she had us either crying or chuckling, qualities of a truly masterful artist. Looking forward to seeing her soar.”

"...really listenable melodies that at the same time exhibit a high-level of complexity that makes her songs quite individual.

Price herself names Muse, First Aid Kit, Pedro The Lion, and David Ramirez (who appears on this record) as her influences and you can sense The First Aid Kit melodicism and Muse, song structures and David Bazan’s lyricism..."

..."What We Daydream Now” captures the strange surreality and loneliness of the pandemic era, but rather than feeling downcast Price steeps the track in nostalgia and wistful golden hues, dreaming of carefree days. The track ambles along at a gentle pace, guided by stately drums and winding acoustic guitars. Amidst the autumnal instrumental shades, Price duets with singer/songwriter David Ramirez, with their voices interlocking in a dance of sweet harmonies. Meanwhile, Price daydreams of small details that linger in memory, not only reminiscing on pre-pandemic joys but also tributing the beauty of simple human moments: “Staying up too late / Smiling as the fire dies down / And I can see your face / Funny what we daydream now...”

...“Somedays you never know what hits you in the face. Was it love? Was it allergies or falling out of grace?” Natalie Price‘s music is catchy melodies and smooth, clear vocals, with a quirkiness weaved into her lyrics—as evidenced in the opening lines of “All We Need,” out today. The song describes how surprising hard times can be when they spring upon us, and is a reminder that while a common thread between us all is that they happen to everyone, what we all really need is love...