Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Natasha Slayton

Natasha Slayton rose to acclaim as one of the members of G.R.L. The international supergroup took the music industry by storm with several Top 40 hits.

This year, the singer-songwriter is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career with the empowering anthem: “Love Me Like Me.”

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Natasha about her solo debut, exploring vulnerability, and the importance of looking within.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Natasha: Honestly, my passion for music has existed for as long as I can remember! My parents were always playing music around the house and taking me to plays, shows, and concerts from the time I was a tiny tot. Even when I was a toddler, any time they’d bring me out to see live music, I could never stop singing or dancing along, often in the aisles of venues. I actually vividly remember thinking my life was a musical when I was a kid because I would just dance and sing everywhere I went.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Natasha: That’s hard to say because I feel like the musical influences are never-ending. On a personal level, I’d have to say my mom. She was always my biggest supporter when she was alive, and I can still feel her cheering me on from above the clouds.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Natasha: When I look back, I feel so lucky to have experienced all the things I have. There are so many moments that stand out. One of my favorite moments of all time was when I was singing in the booth at Conway, recording a song for G.R.L. with the legendary Max Martin, and at the end of one of my takes, he pressed the talk button and said, “You make me want to come to work.” That meant more to me than I could ever attempt to express in words. I’ll never forget that.

PC: You’re a member of G.R.L. What have you learned from that experience that you’ve been able to apply to your career as a solo artist?
Natasha: There are so many things I’ve learned from my experiences with G.R.L., but one of my biggest takeaways that I try to actively apply to my career as a solo artist (and life in general) is to stay present and enjoy each and every moment as much as possible. To not take anything for granted.

PC: Tell us about “Love Me Like Me” and the inspiration behind the song.
Natasha: It took so long for me to release solo music. I knew that I wanted my first official song to really make a statement about who I am and what I’ve been through. I’m such an advocate for inner work and healing, and something just clicked inside me that made me realize these are the types of messages I need to share.

This song is really a testimony regarding going within yourself to find all the answers you’re looking for—and how we all have the power to do that: “All that I ever needed was lookin’ in the mirror back at me.” The song also talks about how no one else can do the work for you: “Nobody can love me like…nobody can love me like me.” If you want to go even further into a dissection of the lyrics, the first line says, “I was wasting time looking for a feeling I could never find til I started healing.” That line speaks to the ways in which we continuously distract ourselves with and look outside ourselves for coping mechanisms and false highs. In particular, it also alludes to my battle with drugs and alcohol and how I was anesthetizing myself and trying to capture a fleeting and false high when I really had the power inside of me all along to feel better than I ever could have imagined.

But this song is not a sobriety song. It’s a song about deep, deep healing on so many levels. In addition to addiction issues, I’ve suffered from major illnesses, battled depression, lost loved ones, and the list goes on. But no one has to sit and suffer in darkness. There is hope. There is light. We all have access to it, and this song speaks to all of that.

PC: This is an incredibly vulnerable song. Has it ever been a scary prospect to tap into that vulnerability?
Natasha: I used to feel terrified about being vulnerable for the world. I’ve never had an issue tapping into that energy when I’m face to face with someone, but when it came to sharing that vulnerability on a bigger scale, I was always worried I’d be misunderstood. Now, I finally feel ready to share myself on a whole new level, and I know it’s because of all the work I’ve done on myself the past few years. I know that being this vulnerable is how I’m able to best connect with people and hopefully also help some along the way.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Natasha: Little Mix.

PC: First album you bought?
Natasha: Spice Girls.

PC: First concert you attended?
Natasha: I actually can’t remember my first because my parents were so awesome and took me to so many amazing concerts, but I think it was the Rolling Stones! I was a very lucky little girl.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Natasha: Too many to name, but definitely Christina Aguilera’s Stripped. I felt like I related to her so much both as a vocalist and as the “misunderstood underdog.” The fire, passion, and power she had in those songs resonated with me so strongly. Plus every song was so good.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Natasha: Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Natasha: My blankie.

To keep up with Natasha, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Love Me Like Me” today.