IN CONVERSATION WITH NATASHA BEDINGFIELD

More than two decades after the release of her breakthrough album Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield is entering a new creative era. Her unmistakable optimism and empowering songwriting have made anthems like Unwritten and These Words timeless, finding renewed life with a new generation through social media, streaming and festival singalongs. Rather than looking back, however, Natasha is looking ahead. Her upcoming album, led by the deeply personal single DOT DOT DOT, explores resilience, discouragement, uncertainty, and finding renewed hope the beauty of life’s unfinished chapters. As an independent artist, mother and songwriter, she reflects on embracing change, trusting the unknown and why hope remains at the heart of everything she creates.

Your new single DOT DOT DOT feels like the beginning of a new chapter. What inspired the song, and why did it become the right introduction to this album?

Thematically, it feels like the other side of the coin of Unwritten. Where that’s about the uncertainty of the great unknown before you, DOT DOT DOT is talking about looking forward once you have “seen it all” and now have more reason to hesitate and doubt. 

Musically, it’s a summer bop-alt pop 90s synths - guitar and trip hop drums. On this first song, I’m doubling down on the positivity people associate with my music, but starting from a more cynical, road beaten place.

dress TIBI
necklace SUSANA VEGA

Uncertainty is a central theme throughout your new music. Has your relationship with the unknown changed over the years?

I think it’s that I often come to songwriting with a lot of questions. I love how music can help me work through complicated feelings.

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dress PACCO RABBANE
earrings SUSANA VEGA
bracelets ALEXIS BITTAR

This album comes after years of touring, motherhood and becoming an independent artist. How have those experiences changed the way you write songs?

I am more experienced and am becoming better at communicating. My vocal range has increased from years of singing live.
I’m also able to tap into music in a diffent way, with more respect for myself without the approval of others. I am more aware of my agency and choices over things.

full look ZIMMERMANN

How would you describe the emotional journey of this new album compared to your earlier records?I found some great collaborators and I like what they brought out in me. There was a sense of freedom to write in the style of music that I love to listen to. Trust in my creative instincts more. There are less double meanings and metaphors.

Production wise, it’s more indie with trip hop loops and wonderful musicianship. Brett Hitte brought some indie gold to the production and had a unique faith in me as an artist and co-producer which was so freeing.

Many artists strive for perfection, but your new music seems to celebrate growth instead. Was that a conscious shift?

I feel I’ve earned the right to make music that is art and self expression. Pop music is often very people pleasing in nature. The shift is that this music is still very anthemic, but is also satisfying my musical vision and taste.

skirt VEEJAY FLORESCA
gloves BALENCIAGA

Unwritten and These Words have found an incredible new audience in recent years. What has it been like watching younger generations make those songs their own?

Yes, and Pocketful of Sunshine is the latest to be trending on socials. Unwritten is almost at 2 billion on Spotify. I feel so happy that these songs have a life of their own without any striving from me, and I can relax when I sing them as the crowd is really carrying them.

Do you know how hard I had to work to get people to hear them the first time? The force required to break a pop song back then was nearly soul destroying. It’s beyond me now as the songs are staying around completely on their own resonance for listeners. I love traveling around all these festivals and shows and being part of it all.

dress NOIR KEI NINOMIYA

Some people might see this moment as a nostalgic comeback, but your new music feels very forward-looking. Does it feel like a fresh beginning rather than a return?

I am quite an in-the-moment person and as a writer, I tap into the songs that want to be written. I’m constantly writing and coming up with ideas. The upcoming album is a group of songs that fit together. And I’m already writing for the next album which will be different. This music is a bridge to the next things l do.

Looking back at the person who wrote Unwritten, what do you think she would recognise in the artist you are today?

I think she would be blown away at the staying power that these songs have had. She makes me want to stay hopeful, even with all the horrible things happening in the world, because those wild dreams did end up coming true for me now.

coat ISABEL MARRANT
shoes DOLCE & GABBANA
earrings SUSANA VEGA
sunglasses VADA

What keeps you recharged outside of music, besides motherhood?

My listeners have really deeply touched me with a level of acceptance that I never had early in my career. I’m recharged by working out, yoga and nature. I love streams and lightening storms, and sitting under trees.

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Finally, after everything you’ve experienced, what does the phrase “the rest is still unwritten” mean to you today?

I wrote it for a 14 year old, but it’s become clear that it was also to this more current version of me. To remind me not to let myself stay jaded or give up. I could buy a castle right now and hide away safely. I’m an introvert, maybe I’d be in bliss. It’s scary to expose myself and release new art that can be judged or rejected.

But that same drive that made me quit university, dump my boyfriend and roam around London til the early hours to work with upcoming producers, exists in me today. I like to be heard, I love when people sing along. I also want to make art that pushes boundaries and takes risks. My audience continues to stick around without any pushing from me. I know the new music will find ears that appreciate it as I do. 

TEAM CREDIT:
talent NATASHA BEDINGFIELD
photography STEPHANIE PISTEL at Tempo Media
styling LIZZY ROSENBERG
makeup WILLIAM R. MURPHY at Statement Artists
hair EDDY SCUDO at The Wall Group
line production Frankie Production
lighting and digi tech NICK STOKES
styling assistant RAYMOND VILLELA
post production STEPHAN LESGER
location 100 SUTTON STUDIOS NYC
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN