TBC introduces… Natasha Watts
Celebrated British singer-songwriter Natasha Watts is known for her dynamic voice and soulful energy, and she has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful stage presence and authentic storytelling. She joins us as the opening live act of our new Soulful Sundays series, taking place across Sunday afternoons and early evenings this spring and summer.
You have been performing since you were 15 and made the very bold and courageous move to America under the watchful eye and guidance of Roame Lowry, who is an original member of Maze. You supported them last year, didn’t you?
Yes, I did, seeing Roame again was just amazing. He said, "I can't believe that you're still doing what you want." It was really a full-circle moment for me; I was 17 when I went to the States. So much has happened in my career. Just seeing him again was amazing, you know, and bless them for going out, still performing.
In 2019, you recorded with A Hundred Birds Orchestra in Japan. How did that come about?
I saw A Hundred Birds Orchestra do an annual event every year in Osaka. I reached out to DJ Yoku, and I said, "Would you like a meeting?" I told him, "We're going to do two live shows with your orchestra at the Billboard Music in Osaka. I will give you my time for free, just cover my flights. Are you down for that?" I think I left him a bit bamboozled, but he agreed anyway.
I reached out to Disc Union, who distribute my albums in Asia, and said, "I'm coming to Japan. Would you like a record store tour?" They agreed, so now I'm going to Japan because I've got a record store tour and a meeting with Yoku. Still haven't got a flight, by the way! Then I reached out to Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive), as he owns a club called The Room in Shibuya. I said, "I’m coming over, would you like a performance?" He agreed.
I flew in on the Saturday, a 12-hour flight, straight to Disc Union for the live shows, did three different stores and two radio shows, then on to do The Room show on the Saturday evening. I didn't get to bed till two in the morning, but we were up again at 6am to travel to Osaka, which, unbeknownst to me, takes four hours on the bullet train. We get to Osaka for a 15-minute meeting. Takeshi was so impressed with my performances that he booked an appointment for me the next day with Universal Music Japan. I went there on the Monday, got the whole live project signed.
So we put the live album out with Universal in Japan, all off the back of me going, "I'll come for a meeting." I also went back again later in the year and did their Christmas show with the orchestra. That was a 42-piece orchestra; it was stunning. And we did a South Soul concert. I was due to do more projects in Japan, but COVID ruined the whole thing. We had loads of other things set up that never happened, which is really sad. I'm still friends with everybody. Their economy, I think, is starting to turn a corner. But they took a really hard hit.
We know you have sung on stages across the globe to thousands of appreciative audiences and opened for some incredible artists. But for those who may not be familiar with your music, tell us – who is Natasha Watts?
I’m like Ronseal, does what it says on the can. I live to sing, I love performing, I write from the heart, and I sing from the heart. I'm at an age now where I don't have to be anything I'm not; this is me, and I happen to love me in a really nice way. I'm happy, I'm alive, I'm grateful, and I love every day. I've got my grandkids, I've got my kids, I've got my husband, long-suffering of nearly 25 years.
I wrote "I Am Me" following the struggles I have been through over the last three and a half years since major surgery, and for me, that's a defining song that brought me out of the place where I was. None of us get out alive, right? And I mean that in the nicest possible way. When I write my songs, I try to write them about hope or happiness or being in the moment or appreciating the moment, even when the moment's really dark, you still have to appreciate it. Because what's the alternative if you're not here? There's nothing. I know it's a bit deep, but anyway, that's where I'm at these days.
What can we expect from your afternoon show at The Bear Club?
It’s been a couple of years since my last visit, and I'm bringing the whole band with me. We're putting together a new show, as a lot of my shows in the last couple of years have been really scaled back. But The Bear Club is just such a special space for me. We're hoping Sunday afternoon brings out a different crowd. It will be a really cracking afternoon, there'll be something for everyone. I will be doing some of the ballads. I love the emotion, I love pulling emotion out of people. I think, you know, we're all a bit stoic these days.
Where can we find out more about you and about your music?
You can find everything out on my website; there are links to all my shows. I'm all over the place, but this is the most important one. Come along to Luton, as we’re trying to create something spectacular outside of London. I don't want to do late nights in London and then try to get home, do you? So, places like The Bear Club need that additional support to keep them rolling and without you having to pay silly money to travel into London. So yeah, I'm down for that.
Natasha joins us with her band on Sunday 26 April 2026