London-based classical crossover singer Natasha Hardy is trained in both classical and contemporary traditions. Natasha writes her own material in which her classical voice seamlessly unites the contemporary/operatic divide. Her musical influences come from Enya, Renee Fleming, Hans Zimmer and Enigma to name but a few.
Her new single ‘Into The West’ is the second single to be released from a collection of hand-picked cover songs. Opening with a beautiful, meandering piano line and gently building with the elegant orchestral arrangement, Natasha’s classically inspired take on Annie Lennox’s Lord of the Rings theme song takes the listener back to the magic of Middle-Earth.
Natasha discusses her music inspirations with Andy Howells.
Into The West by Natasha Hardy is available now. 
Natasha Hardy’s Album Debut, Lost In Love is available now. 
Natasha Hardy’s New Release is Into The West from The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. Photo: Paul Stott 
Natasha Hardy’s New Release is Into The West from The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. Photo: Paul Stott
Can you tell us about your new release, Into The West?
I felt inspired to cover Into The West after polling my fans for songs to cover, it was one of the most requested songs which turned out pretty fortuitous for me, as it is one of my favourite songs from the Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy.
The recording of this song started during lockdown with pianist, Stefano Marzanni, recording and arranging the beautiful, meandering piano line. I went on to record my own vocals in my home studio then enlisted my wonderful producer, Tom E Morrison, to begin arranging all the additional orchestration. To complete the track in early 2022, we were joined by the lovely Emma Arizza who brought out the sparkle with her wonderful violin performance.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
‘Drifting Away’ by Faithless, it starts with a section from the aria ‘L’altra notte in fondo al mare’ from the Opera Mefistofele by Arrigo Boito. This particular track is how I first discovered opera and I was intrigued. I guess this song started me on my long musical journey!
What was the first single you bought?
I think it was either ‘Push It’ by Salt & Pepa or ‘Gambler’ by Madonna
What was the first album you owned?
I think it was Silk and Steel by Five Star
What’s your constant go to track?
The Rain sounds on my ‘Calm’ app
What’s your constant go to album?
That’s a very difficult one but I think it would have to be between the Café Del Mar compilation called ‘Ambient’ and ‘Eyes Closed’ by Haevn
Who’s your latest music discovery?
‘Anthony B’ who sings an amazing track called ‘Chill Out’ and an artist called ‘So Below’ who sings the song ‘Bone’, I discovered them both on Spotify you should definitely check them out!
Which of your own recordings best defines you as an artist?
I’d have to say ‘In Too Deep’, it was the first song I released which was part of my debut album, ‘Lost In Love’. I chose to release it first because it really does sum up the whole sound of my ‘Lost In Love’ album, so I think it would be the song of mine which best defines me as an artist!
Whilst writing ‘In Too Deep’ I wanted the song to feel like after one listen you would be swept away, transported to my fantasy world of enchantment, passion and romance! ‘In Too Deep’ is a mid-tempo song which introduces itself with a delicate blend of voice and piano, building gently with harp and strings, leading to an intricate orchestral arrangement climaxing with a powerful finale, reminiscent of an epic film score you wish you had heard before!
- For further details visit Natasha Hardy’s official website.