Get to Know 2017 Nash Next Finalist Natalie Spiroff

Get to Know 2017 Nash Next Finalist Natalie Spiroff

The 2017 Nash Next challenge is down to 10 finalists, and in the lead-up to the announcement of the champion on Nov. 1, NCD will be profiling each of the 10 finalists.

Today, we are getting to know Natalie Spiroff.

In May, Cumulus Media and Big Machine Label Group invited aspiring country artists and bands to participate in Nash Next 2017, a grassroots talent search and artist development program for country music. Sponsored nationally by Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, the winner of the competition will receive a recording contract with Nash Next Records under the Big Machine Label Group and garner substantial exposure, commensurate with a major-label release, on Cumulus radio stations nationwide.

The 10 finalists were selected by a panel of country radio professionals and will be judged in the finale by a group that includes Brooks & Dunn’s Kix Brooks and Scott Borchetta, president and CEO of Big Machine Label Group. The 10 finalists will perform at the 2017 Nash Next finale event at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is open to the public.


Natalie Spiroff

Market: Cincinnati
Facebook: nataliespiroffmusic
Twitter: @nataliespiroff
Instagram: @nataliespiroffmusic

How did you get started in music?

I have been singing ever since I can remember. I was always in school choirs and musicals, and I took any opportunity to showcase my original music. Some of my favorite childhood memories are the times my dad would play his guitar and help me write songs. It really helped that I have two extremely musical parents. My dad performed in many Off-Broadway shows and my mom was Eddy Arnold’s back-up singer.

At what age did you realize you wanted to make music your career?

I have always known it. Okay, there was that one year in sixth grade that I wanted to be an astrophysicist [laughing], but besides that, I’ve always known music was my true passion. Nothing else makes me feel more free.

What three words describe you?

Genuine, passionate, relatable.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Maren Morris, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.

What is unique about your sound?

I think my music is different than anything that’s on the radio right now. The Nash Next regional judges told me my song was unlike anything they’ve heard before and that made me so happy. My music has many different elements of country and pop music within it.

What three albums would you take with you to a deserted island?

Hero by Maren Morris, Black by Dierks Bentley and Younger Now by Miley Cyrus.

What’s a song you wish you had written?

Little Big Town’s “Better Man, which was written by Taylor Swift.

What was the first concert you attended?

Coldplay.

What’s the last song you heard that blew you away?

“Hard to Love” by Lee Brice. I perform on Lower Broadway in Nashville and my friend Jay always sings this song. As I sing the lyrics in harmony, it blows me away. The words are so genuine. The songwriters [Billy Montana, John Ozier and Ben Glover] poured their absolute souls into it. That’s what I try to do each time I write.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton.

Where is the coolest place you’ve performed?

Carnegie Hall with my high school a cappella group.