Artist Glimpse: Mississauga's Natalie G

Natalie G. is a Mississauga-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. A Canadian-Egyptian artist, she performs in English, French, and Arabic, blending genres ranging from Middle Eastern melodies to Latin and European classics. This past summer, she produced and headlined a one-woman show, "Music Around the World", at the Living Arts Centre, directing a 12-piece band and guest dancers.

Rob Aguiar – Your new single, “I Don’t Know Why” is officially out. What was the inspiration behind this track, and how does it feel to finally share it with your audience?

Natalie G. - The inspiration for the song actually came from my friend talking to me about all the things the guy she was with at the time was doing and how he was acting. As an empath, I could physically feel her emotions and her pain as if they were my own - I could feel the heaviness in my chest of losing someone you thought you knew, and it led me to a lot of reflection. A lot of the time, we tend to romanticize someone and create a different version of them in our mind, the version we want them to be. But that’s not actually who they are. That experience helped me channel the feeling into this song and put into words what I think a lot of people have felt but couldn’t express.

RA – You perform in English, French, and Arabic. How do you determine which language best suits a particular song, and does your songwriting process change depending on the language used?

NG - Well, there are certain phrases, words, and concepts in Arabic that can’t be accurately translated into English, and certain feelings that are best expressed in French. It really depends on which language can most effectively convey the emotion. Language is such a powerful tool because each one has its own unique words and expressions that beautifully capture nuances of feeling, and I’m so grateful to be fluent in three - it gives me the ability to fully express myself in ways that resonate with different audiences.

RA – As a multi-instrumentalist playing flute, guitar, saxophone, and piano, which instrument do you typically gravitate toward first when composing a new melody?

NG - I usually do all my songwriting on guitar because it lets me play around with different chords while singing melodies, and together it feels so free and flexible. It’s the space where I can experiment, follow the emotion wherever it leads, and just let the song reveal itself to me naturally. It’s also easier to come up with lyric ideas while writing the melody because the guitar creates a vibe that inspires the words - the flow feels organic in a way that just isn’t the same on any other instrument.

RA – This past summer at the Living Arts Centre, you transitioned from performer to producer for a large-scale ensemble. What was the most significant challenge in managing a 12-piece band and dancers for that production?

NG - The biggest challenge was honestly balancing all the moving parts - making sure the 12-piece band and the dancers were on the same page, coordinating schedules, and keeping everything running smoothly. As a producer, you really have to anticipate problems before they happen and ensure everyone has what they need to perform at their best. It took a lot of communication, planning, and quick thinking, but seeing it all come together on stage and hearing about everyone’s wonderful experiences afterwards made it completely worth it.

RA – Given your repertoire spans several continents and styles, is there a specific genre where you feel most at home, or do you define your identity through the fusion of these influences?

NG - I’d say I define my identity through the fusion of influences. I love exploring classical, Middle Eastern, Latin, and other genres of music, but the magic really happens when they intersect. That’s where I feel most at home, because I get to get creative and mix different styles to create a sound that’s uniquely my own. Music is a feeling everyone can relate to, regardless of the language they speak, and this fusion allows me to connect with audiences from all backgrounds in a way that feels deep and authentic.

RA – As an alumna of the Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra, how has the local Mississauga arts community influenced your development as a professional artist?

NG - Growing up in Mississauga gave me access to so many incredible mentors, ensembles, and opportunities that laid the foundation for my growth as a musician, and I love that the City of Mississauga has always been supportive of the arts by creating spaces for artists to perform, collaborate, and grow. Being part of a community that values creativity and collaboration is such a beautiful thing because it provides a platform for artists from all backgrounds to express themselves, and seeing all the amazing work of my fellow artists is what inspired me to pursue my own projects.

Natalie G. continues to bridge cultural gaps through her versatile performances and recent production work. With the release of "I Don’t Know Why", she adds another chapter to her evolving journey in the Canadian music scene.