Natsuma, a 21-year-old musician who sings, writes songs, and produces music, is gaining attention in the indie music world with her emotional and energetic sound. Residing in London, she has already attracted a large amount of notice, amassing a growing group of fans totaling more than 55,000 on TikTok and having recently completed a tour across the UK, EU, and US in support of Gretel. Natsuma, renowned for her adaptability, has experience as a session guitarist and finds creative nourishment from musicians such as Wolf Alice and the mellower aspect of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Her music combines a strong blend of large stadium sound along with a close, personal feel. Natsuma sees music as a means to rejuvenate and reestablish a connection with herself, accepting her emotions fully and translating them into her artwork. Natsuma expresses a heightened sense of confidence with her latest music, declaring that she has discovered her authentic artistic persona.
Natsuma released her newest single, “Bit On Your Lip,” on September 6th, 2024, and it delves into the intricacies of first love with a deep sense of introspection and emotional intensity. This track, created by Natsuma, showcases her growing skills as an artist by combining indie rock’s rawness with storytelling intricacies. The song emphasizes rosy retrospection, looking back on past events with nostalgia and idealization, while exploring the tumultuous nature of an unhealthy, euphoric first love. Natsuma captures the emotional intensity of love’s ups and downs and the wisdom that accompanies time and reflection by blending meaningful lyrics, sultry vocals, and powerful instrumentation.
The song starts with a consistent, rhythmic rhythm that creates a hypnotic atmosphere, captivating the audience until Natsuma’s singing begins at 23 seconds. She begins singing in a gentle manner, exuding a peaceful vibe that grows stronger as the song unfolds. At 51 seconds into the song, it transitions to a more intricate composition, with her vocals growing more emotional and the music expanding into a grander and more daring sound. The musical accompaniment enhances this change, providing a captivating background that accurately reflects the emotional journey of the words.
In terms of lyrics, “Bit On Your Lip” is filled with vivid images that capture the complexities of first love. It is an encounter that is simultaneously lovely and devastating, exciting and agonizing. Natsuma doesn’t avoid the negative aspects of love and instead delves into how those intense moments of passion can result in feelings of both euphoria and confusion. The very name, “Bit On Your Lip,” implies a pause, a delicate action filled with feeling, showing both love and doubt. Natsuma’s songwriting truly stands out in these little, personal details. The words express a feeling of yearning and self-reflection, as the speaker reflects on a relationship that was intense but ultimately not able to last. Through this introspective viewpoint, Natsuma connects with a universal truth about love—that it can be both captivating and perilous when we become consumed by it.
The song’s production is also remarkable. Natsuma infused the song with warmth and intensity as she created the track in her home studio last summer. The intense heat in her studio appears to transfer to the music itself, making it feel almost palpable. The track has a rough, unfinished feel that seems deliberate, as if Natsuma is giving the listener a glimpse into her artistic process. This homemade style, mixed with the refined aspects of contemporary indie craftsmanship, results in a distinct combination of closeness and magnificence. The song has a homemade yet arena-ready vibe, showcasing Natsuma’s skill in combining vulnerability and ambition.
From an instrumental standpoint, “Bit On Your Lip” is a standout. The consistent, repeating beat that propels the music offers a strong base, with the multiple guitars, synths, and percussion adding a continuously changing background. The guitars are especially impressive, with Natsuma’s playing being the highlight. The guitar playing is both precise and tuneful, bringing a feeling of importance to the song as well as offering moments of relief. The interaction of the instruments with her singing generates a back-and-forth dynamic that reflects the emotional intensity of the lyrics. This intricate, layered composition adds depth to the song, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in its complexity.
In terms of vocal performance, Natsuma shines on “Bit On Your Lip.” The emotional weight of the song is complemented by her smoky voice, full of character. Throughout the song, she challenges herself to sing right to the limit of her vocal abilities, leading to moments of intense vulnerability that are simultaneously strong and captivating. She exudes a feeling of tension in her performance, balancing between control and emotional expression. This tension reflects the emotional essence of the song, adding an extra level of depth. Natsuma’s skill in expressing both strength and vulnerability with her voice is a major asset of the song, enabling the listener to truly understand the depth of emotions she is conveying.
In the end, “Bit On Your Lip” shows Natsuma’s boldness and confidence, proving she has fully emerged as an artist. Although her earlier work focused on discovering her voice, this new track seems like the final result of that process. “Bit On Your Lip” is a song that commands attention with its rich production, powerful lyrics, and enthralling vocals. It is a contemplation on love that is deeply personal and also a reflection on the intricacies of human emotion that is universal. This one track not only highlights Natsuma’s skills as a songwriter and producer but also solidifies her position as one of the most thrilling new voices in indie music right now.
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