Natasha Bedingfield - Blog

Drive Thru

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:19:00 +0100

Throughout this whole tour we're travelling by tour bus. I'm really enjoying driving through the US rather than flying over it. You definitely get to see more in a bus than using a plane to get everywhere.
Right now we're passing expansive flat fields in Illinois, little farmhouses all alone smack in the middle of miles of land.
In a few hours we will be in Chicago, which is such an historical city. I've got the afternoon off there to go exploring, I can't wait.

So I'm just touching base. I'm kind of zoned out today because we've been driving for 14 hours and I'm lying in the back lounge looking out the window and chilling.

We have internet on the bus so I've been surfing all morning.Thanks Perez Hilton for giving props to my mum's charity, Global Angels. It's such a worthwhile cause, and I agree with you Perez, it's doing great things.

I hung out in New Orleans all day yesterday as I had a gig in the evening. My song 'Pockets' took on a whole new meaning when I sang there. The people have really had to go through some rough stuff that life has thrown at them, and their determined spirit and ability to let it roll off them is really inspiring. I felt that so much as I was singing on stage.
There are some amazing places in New Orleans, we visited the French Quarter and I was amazed at the culture there; so much art and soul.

Peace and love to all
Nat x

Recent Emotions

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:28:00 +0100

Hi guys,

I hope you're all well?

Here are some of my recent emotions...

- I'm itching to hear the new Coldplay album.

- I've just got the Kooks new album and I love it. I'm a new fan.

-I'm jealous of Rhianna's hot pixie hair do. She makes short hair look so good. It's suits her as much as it suits Halle Berry.

- I'm wondering if the Sex and the City movie will live up to how good the show is? It's hard to successfully translate a show to a movie in my opinion, haven't seen it yet though. If you've seen it, shall I watch it?

- I'm secretly smug that my song has owned a position higher than the Madonna single for a few weeks, only because I admire her so much. I sing a cover of one of her songs in my show by the way. She is a great songwriter; I appreciate that more now after singing her song. It feels so good to sing it. I admire how consistent she is.

- I'm missing Chris Moyles. It's hard to be away from home! That's the hardest part about the job I'm lucky enough to have. That bloke knows how to do an interview!

- Brandy is the nicest girl in the biz. I hung out with her recently in Hollywood. She's seriously a good person.

- I'm IN LOVE with my new black and white Alexander McQueen heels. I'm smitten; they go with everything so I'm wearing them everywhere. Also I'm really impressed by American Apparel. Went into one of their shops in Atlanta and took most of it out with me when I left.

Much love
Natasha

Tour kicks off!

Fri, 30 May 2008 10:19:00 +0100

The Natasha Bedingfield Verizon VIP tour has officially begun!!! I'm actually just over a week into it and I love it! My band kicks butt, I come off stage with an adrenaline high every night.

Had a bit of a rocky start for a minute when too much partying the week before caused me to catch a cold, which affected my voice. Not the best way to start a tour but it's all cool now; I'm fit as a fiddle!

This British/kiwi (briwi) girl is excited about seeing all of America and the different ways the audience responds in each place.

Just on a plane to New York right now. I've got a fantastic cancer charity gig I'm singing at tonight called the Sloane Kettering Benefit which is really important cause.

Some other cool news: My song Pocket has been in top 10 this week of top 40 pop radio. It's good news and I'm sure you already know that it's been hanging round top 10 at iTunes for a few weeks now? I'm pretty chuffed about it!

Ok enough about me and stuff. I'm still filming on the road so you might see some footage soon if I can get it together. I like staying in touch visually and in different ways and you're important to me.

Also look up verizonviptour.com. There are some seriously fun things to do on there, like enter the duet contest to win a chance to sing on stage and record with me

Love and peace

Tasha x

Win tickets for Verizon VIP tour!

Fri, 23 May 2008 10:10:00 +0100

Hey friends!

One more day till I kick off the Verizon VIP tour! Make sure you check the dates on my site and catch me in your town. Thanks to all of my new friends at my network and congratulations to Dana, Amy, Lori, Clara, Shannon, Barabara, Lesa, and all of the others who have won so far! If you're not a member of my network, I hope you sign up!

Next I have another way for you to win tickets to see the Verizon VIP tour in the city of your choice or a CD prize package from Epic Records. Visit Jamsbio.com, listen to "Pocketful of Sunshine" and share your stories about how music 'takes you away' for a chance to win. Click here to enter and I'll see you all soon!

Breaking news!

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:24:00 +0100

I'm in a New York rehearsal studio right now with my band. It's the greatest feeling ever to be working with such gifted and dedicated musicians. Seriously, this tour is going to be quality! Anthemic pop songs with soul are the goal, and boy, have my guys and gals got soul!

I can't wait to get going on my first ever American tour with myself headlining. We have two massive buses and for some of the tour there are rumours that the John Lennon bus will be joining.
It's decked out with a complete recording studio and film editing suite. Its whole purpose is to educate young people musically and tons of peeps will win a chance to go on the bus and check it out.

Oh, and I have breaking news....my song 'Pocketful of Sunshine' reached number 8 on the US top 100 radio chart! AND it got to number 1 on itunes this week too!

Thank you guys for all your support. As my mate Neyo's song says, 'Its all because of you!' Everyone at home in the UK and Europe, thanks for your patience while I represent us over here in US. I can't wait till I can come back to where my roots are and tour again.

Love ya

'tasha XX

Me and Able from Pulse 87 NY

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:44:01 +0100

Me and able front pulse 87 NY. X x x

Wikipedia - Dispelling myths

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:25:00 +0100

I feel frustrated with Wikipedia because it's not always truth that's written there, just things that people have written. The reason it's frustrating is because people go to it as a reference and ask me interview questions based on what it says there. For example I am quoted as saying I refuse to be in men's magazines. This is just not true; I have already been in a number of them. What I have said and I'll say again is that I want to be known for my music more than for my body or what I do or don't wear. That desire is reflected in the way I am in photos.

There are other things that are not correct in there too. I think I will continue this dispelling of myths in one of my next up coming blogs! It feels like clearing up the facts is a good thing to talk about so I'll save it until next time.
Also, the subject of the ups and downs of how interactive the internet is worth touching on; I'm sure you all have your own thoughts on this? Submit them, it's interesting!
For example, it's so great that now everyone can make their opinion known, can make their own movies and release music without the use of a company but does it mean that now there are no experts? I'm reading some books about it at the moment. They support both sides of the argument. What's your opinion?

Pocketful of Sunshine video

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:23:00 +0100

I've just finished shooting my new music video for the song Pocketful of Sunshine so look out for it coming soon! You'll see a bit of the adventurer in me as I parachute my way out of a frustrating situation. The vid is about freedom and how we all have our own pocketful of sunshine - the place that we go to that makes it easier to handle difficult, mundane or painful situations in life. There are moments when you need to find a safe place to escape to. The 'parachutes' we use to get us there are different: things like art, music, dance, entertainment, prayer, friendship, a phone call, food, substances (sometimes our means of escape are not always healthy, sometimes they are positive ones), books, internet, hobbies etc.

It ' s basically the concept that sticks and stones are never gonna break me because it ' s possible to have an inner peace that takes me away so I'm safe and means I don't have to just lie there and receive whatever crap life throws.

When I was trying to find a director for the video I found it interesting that the ideas some directors started sending me were scenes of flowers and fields and lots of pretty, sunny things. I think they thought that this song was only about happiness and things going well. I wanted a video that showed the contrast that happens in life, like finding beauty in the middle of ugliness or strength at times of weakness. That's why I worked with the director Alan Ferguson, to show stories that happen in urban settings. With concrete, fluorescent lights, arguing, boredom, ordinary life situations that can get you down. I wanted to show stories of people finding a safe haven within these places.

Anyway, enough explaining, its one of those songs you can interpret in your own way really. I'm excited to show the video.

By the way I keep going back and forth from UK to USA and I'm coming back to UK next week for a week. I have to say on my last visit to London I was so impressed by the fashion and the way the music scene is. I love how Londoners walk around with such a personal style. So functional, quirky and individual. I love the fact that the Streets and Dizzy Rascal, MIA, and Lilly Allen made it cool to rap and sing in your own accent. I think that's a big reason why the USA is so into our music at the moment, because we're being ourselves. There was a while in the pop scene when every country in Europe had their own versions of all the USA singers. But now we are more willing to take risks and I appreciate that it's more honest. I reckon that's why some of the biggest music influences - The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Radiohead and U2 - all did so well worldwide. They had and have something that the world didn't have and needed.

Ok peeps. I'm gonna go do something useful now... exactly what I'm not sure yet, but with a few hours off I'm gonna make the most of 'em. I'll probably just end up catching up on telly or going out. I'm in Toronto right now by the way; singing at Toronto Idol. There's lots to do in this city that's for sure. Sounds like a night on the town is in order!!

Something else I'm excited about is that I'm going on my first USA full band tour, which is being sponsored by Verizon.

You might have noticed that my vlogs (video blogs) have not been put up so regularly recently. Don't worry, there'll be some more of my crazy escapades coming online soon. I love bringing my camera around coz I want you lot to feel like you're on the road with me when you're watching. I want you to know how much I appreciate my fans and that I think of you wherever I go. Plus I just like vlogging... they're so much fun to make.

Watch out for me putting Perez Hilton in the hot seat as I interview him for a change (love his vh1 show by the way - really impressed that he ain't just a good blogger... but actually is a natural on TV). Also, my adventures on the upcoming tour, meeting Jordan backstage (who was actually Katie Price at the time), meeting the members of my band, plus continued behind the scenes stuff on everything that's going on!

T.T.F.N (Ta Ta For Now)

Ten points to you if you can tell me what cartoon that quote is from...

Nat x

Hey folks!

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:45:00 +0100

Ok, apologies for such a long lapse in diary entries. I've still out in
the US promoting my album.

I sang at my first rodeo two days ago in Austin, Texas. It was
definitely a different and memorable experience for me.

Today I'm singing my new song Pocketful of Sunshine at Nickelodeon and
tomorrow I'm off to Boston to sing at my first basketball game. Then I'm
in England for a couple of days to hang out with my favourite radio man Chris Moyles. Ok,
so I have a few other things to do too and of course I'm excited that I
will see my family and my little house again after so long away.

I'm lying in bed right now having a sleep-in. It's this really cool
hotel called The Rivington. Apparently Lindsey Lohan is staying here too
but I haven't seen her yet, she's probably sleeping in too. The paps are
probably lurking somewhere outside. Glad they don't follow me around as
much as her, although she doesn't seem to mind. I'm just harder to
catch, like the gingerbread man! Because I go wherever there is a demand
for my music, I end up staying in a different hotel almost every night
or two.

Unlike some artists around I like to have fun just for the sake of it,
not just to attract attention. I do like to film things that I see or do
over here, stuff I think you on-liners will find interesting, because I
love having a visual way of staying in touch. But what's cool about
having my own camera is that I can press the on and off switch when I
want. Seriously, the camera can sometimes make you go a little mad if you're
not careful. I remember one night during a particularly intense time of
filmed interviews and videos I found myself talking to my camera in my
sleep and answering interview questions. Only when I woke I found out it
was my bedside alarm clock which had a red light, like the red light
that goes on a camera when you know its recording!

This industry is so obsessed with image and what everyone thinks of you
and I've found that you have to fight hard within yourself not to let it
affect you. That's a little of what my song Pirate Bones is about -
'It's not worth having something if it takes away who you are'... 'if I
forfeit my soul'. I'm aware that I've been labelled a good girl by some
because I'm different to some of the other female artists (the main
difference being I don't do drugs and I'm doing my best to not be messed
up). It seems like it's actually more rebellious to stay true to
yourself when everyone wants you to be something else and when everyone
seems to get more praise for doing stupid things. I don't know, I just
love music and want to keep making it forever and have people enjoy it.
That is my objective, my passion and I want to stay like that. For me,
fashion and how I look is an extension of my music because it is a form
of art. So I love that it has become such a big part of the music
industry as it's another great form of expression. But when a music
artist's image is all they have got going for them it's a sad thing
because it shouldn't be called music anymore.

I heard a story recently that the artist Prince was doing his thing on
stage when a very well known celebrity who was trying to make it as a
singer was in the crowd. Prince, well known for his love of bringing
other artists up to jam with him, asked her up and she took the mike. He
then stopped the band so she could sing a cappella and looked at her as
if to say 'now show us if you can sing'... she apparently dashed off
stage in tears.
It was her moment to shine but without instruments and without auto tune
she couldn't live up to what she wanted to be.

Ok, little commentary on crazy life is over for today :) I'm gonna go
back to my much deserved and treasured lie in!

Appreciate you all!
Natasha x x x

Video Blog: Photo Shoot

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:38:00 +0100

A really fun photo shoot...

From the Airport!

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:49:00 +0100

I've had a crazy party week celebrating my album's Number 3 debut week in the US, plus it was the Grammys!

Right now I'm having a thoughtful moment. I'm at the LA airport sitting in the lounge watching telly and writing at the same time. Pictured is my Cyber-shot Sony camera phone. It's cool because I can send pictures directly to my site from the phone. I took this photo with my Mac camera though... technology is crazy now. I make comic strips sometimes on this computer, I'll post some up sometime; its really cool and a great way to pass my time while I'm travelling.

The airport is another kind of home for me now. I'm like a gypsy, always on the move or like a ping pong ball on the table of the world, I'm here there and everywhere.

I haven't been home to my house in the UK for a while now though, the last time I was there was in November for the Global Angels event and that was just for one day! Dorothy is right, there really is no place like home; I wish I had little sparkly red shoes or that someone had invented teleportation because it would really save a lot of time and fix some of the whole carbon emission problems of transport too no doubt.

I guess not having everything instantly is a good thing, it probably makes you appreciate more. It's weird, we have invented all these machines to get us places quicker like escalators and cars, and to make things happen quicker like microwaves; and now we have to go to the gym to exercise and have to make an effort to stay fit. When I went to Holland they all travel everywhere on bikes. Maybe that's smart because it probably means they can get away with eating more chocolate but still stay healthy... okay, I guess I'm going off on one!

I'm gonna go now but I do want to say how grateful I am to you guys who have stuck with me and who come and check on the site and blogs. Can't say how sorry I am that the UK tour got cancelled, it's a real bummer. I'm so happy to be having a good response in the states though, and the good news for us Brits is that the US seems to be taking a liking to people from this part of the world.

I'm coming to UK for Valentines Day, will be there just 12 hours but I really cannot wait to be home!

Catch up with you soon.

Natasha x

By the way, my blogs are featured on You Tube this week!! I'm going to keep them coming xx

Video Blog: Live On Set Of Degrassi (Toronto)

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:40:00 +0100

latest blog

Video Blog: Live On The Today Show

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:28:00 +0100

Check out Natasha backstage on The Today Show where she performs her forthcoming UK single 'Love Like This' live with Sean Kingston.

On The Road in the US

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:03:00 +0100

NBTV Videoblog...

My UK tour

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:40:00 +0100

To everyone who has bought a ticket for my UK tour I'm so sorry to reschedule on you. My US album is just coming out here and I'm obligated to stay out here and promote it.

I miss you all and promise that a tour in the UK will be happening it's just a little later than planned

Thank you for your continued support.

Love Natasha

x

Album Out Today!!!!

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:15:00 +0100

Today Tuesday 22nd, my album Pocketful of Sunshine is finally out in the US.

This is me playing anchor lady at the news desk at Regis and Kelly yesterday.

I've been up since 4am this morning. At the moment I am waiting back stage at The Today Show getting ready to go live on air and sing 'Pocketful of Sunshine' for the first time on tv.

Can't wait for you to hear the album.

I've got to get ready to go on air so better go x

Pocketful Of Sunshine

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:32:00 +0100

Yes, finally it has arrived. I am holding a golden clear plastic wrapped copy of it here in my hands right now...

It sure is a good feeling to tangibly know that what I've worked on with such dedication is now ready to be heard.

It's called 'Pocketful of Sunshine', named after one of the songs in it.
Look out for me on telly, radio, stores, and of course keep checking my blogs!

There are some cool videos coming out soon so stay in touch.

CBS Ski Weekend in Utah

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:35:00 +0100

...check out the pics below.

Happy new year!

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:19:00 +0100

I'm writing from L.A., just back from a crazy holiday in Costa Rica - what a beautiful place! But I'm so excited to be back!

I'm getting ready to release my second US album on the 22nd January, it's called Pocketful Full of Sunshine and it's already available for pre-order on iTunes. We're gonna make the video for the next single soon too.

I've also been editing some new video blogs which should be coming out soon so keep a look out for those.

Last year was a crazy one for me but I have a feeling 08' will be even crazier!

The first gig I did after chilling out in Costa Rica (after vegging out in one pair of comfy shorts, flip-flops and no make-up for two weeks!) was in Las Vegas. Now that's two opposite extremes, I'm telling you. Finding myself in that environment was the quickest incentive to jump straight back into my high heels and eyeliner.

Stay tuned folks, I'm in so many different places this year that it'll keep you on your toes just to catch up.

Love Nat x x

Paddy

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:34:00 +0100

This is Paddy, he works for Epic my US record company. I love him...he gets my songs played on radio, he gives good hugs and he drives really well!