
Confidence controlled by humility; one can easily sense this during a performance by Natalia Toache. The Mexican born singer/songwriter is a powerful performer who wears her heritage on her sleeve while also paying respect to the artists of other countries who have influenced her. While carving out her own unique artistic voice, Natalia has gained massive admiration for paying tribute to artists like Billie Eilish. At a 2021 concert honoring the music of Eilish, Ms. Toache stunned the audience with her performance of Billie’s “Happier Than Ever.” Natalia notably worked with dancer/choreographer Sunny Walters (known for her work with Beyonce, Britney Spears, and Hugh Jackman) to bring the excitement of this live performance to a feverish pitch. The fact that Toache and Eilish are so close in age presents an unusual scenario; how do artists of the same generation inspire each other in present day. We decided to go directly to the source to explore this idea.
Perhaps the most unobvious correlation between Ms. Eilish and Ms. Toache is that they share a disdain for genre definition. Mixing live instrumentation with digital ones is not an unheard-of approach but the fusing of different musical styles goes against the status quo of marketability. Natalia’s music could be described as a fusion of pop, indie, and alternative genres, enriched with bits and pieces of influences from jazz, rock, and classical music. Female music artists are very prominent in modern music and both of these artists in particular share an affinity for focusing on blending the intimate, singer-songwriter style with a broader modern sound. This introspective mindset for writing hearkens back to the great singer-songwriters of the 1970’s. Natalia confesses, “I view my songs as conversations, whether I’m processing my own emotions or connecting with my friends or family who might be experiencing similar feelings. My audience tends to be those who value introspective and emotional, fun music. Many of my listeners are young adults and teenagers navigating life’s transitions and challenges, and who are trying to find their place in the world.”
A massive indicator of both Natalia’s talent and confidence is her open admiration for Billie Eilish and her music. The previously mentioned concert in 2021 that brought so much attention and many new fans to Ms. Toache was an open love letter to Los Angeles based Eilish. Toache declares, “Billie’s music career has been a huge inspiration for me. As a songwriter myself, I’ve always admired her ability to dig deep into those uncomfortable feelings we all experience. That has influenced my own approach to music and many of other artists as well. Her lyrics are raw and introspective and the way she explores emotions feels so real.” Of course, what fascinated concert attendees and online viewers about Natalia was more than her impressive vocal talent; it was her charismatic performance. For the most successful artists in the music industry, artistic creativity must be paired with performative skill. Toache heaps praise for her performance at this event on famed dancer/choreographer Sunny Walters. She states, “Collaborating with Sunny Walter was a transformative experience for me. From the start, Sunny brought incredible energy, combining her background as a dancer and choreographer. She pushed me to think holistically about how music, movement, and emotion connect, encouraging me to express the core of my song through authentic, natural movement. Her feedback was always about synergy, ensuring every element of the performance came together seamlessly, and that was incredibly important for me. Working with her felt like a true gift, and her collaborative spirit made the whole experience unforgettable.”
Modern music cannot be constricted by strict genre definitions or imposed boundaries. For the artists who create it, music is like air; uncontrollable and life giving. Talent like that of Natalia Toache and others reinvigorates the creatives around them while also allowing them to identify those who inspired them. Natalia Toache hopes to shine a light on the music and artists of her homeland all the while being immersed in a truly global music community.
Writer : Basil Thomson