It’s been a while since we’ve seen Natalie “Floacist” Stewart formerly of London/Philly soul duo Floetry, but today she has a new album (“Floetic Soul”), a new look and a new tour in the works. Check out what the Floacist told Madame Noire about her single with Musiq, her reason for leaving Floetry and what the heck she’s been up to for the past four years.
Where have you been? We’ve missed you so. How have you been?
Oh, I’ve been fabulous! I’ve been at home with my husband and my son. For some artists all they have is their career. I’m blessed to say I have much more than that. My husband is also my business partner, so we have that and my son, who’s 13, actually did a little engineering on this new album. But basically, for the past four years, I’ve just been creating and writing songs for different people, collaborating. I needed a break from making music of my own for a little while.
What made you decide a break was necessary?
My break came at the end of 2006. My manager, J. Erving, was wanting to take Floetry in a different direction. He wanted to make it more rap. I needed to step away from that. He and Natalie continued on together and did the Aftermath thing.
How would you describe the vibe of your new album “Floetic Soul?” What do you imagine people will be doing while listening to it?
There’s a lot of female empowerment on this album. I’m very much tuned into the idea of me being made in the image of the Mother. You heal the women, you heal all humans. When people listen this, I think there’s gonna be some love making, some reflection, some gym time, maybe zoning out for studying. I just really hope for a connection that is varied and not based on anyone particular type of person.
You have a single and video out now with Musiq called “Forever.” Whose idea was it to work together?
It was my idea. Musiq was one of the first people I met when I came to the U.S. I’ve known him for about 10 years now. When I finished recording with JR Hudson in LA, I was sitting in a hotel room with the song and I realized that I needed another voice. This is a song about companionship. Musiq has the perfect tonality, reflection and energy for this song. So, I called him up and he recorded his part in Atlanta. We didn’t even record the song together, but when we did the video it was all love. We always have a good time.
Speaking of the video, you are sporting a look that many of your fans perhaps haven’t seen on you until now. In Floetry, you had the beautiful locs and now you are rocking the baldie. You look stunning, by the way. What inspired you to make the change?
I actually cut my hair in 2006. My hair was getting heavy and plus, I wanted to be able to put my head under the shower without spending hours under a dryer. I knew I was going to cut my hair probably a year or so before I actually did it and I had short hair before, so it wasn’t totally out of nowhere. At the time, I cut it because I just wanted something more low maintenance, I’m a no fuss, wash and go type of girl. But looking back on everything, my look now does speak to where I am right now in my life. I feel very open and transparent. It wasn’t my intention really when I cut my hair, but it makes sense.
Do you have a favorite track on your new album?
This is going to sound so corny, but every track on the album is my favorite. I could tell you something special about literally every song on the album. I recorded everything in a 12-day period. I don’t like to lose the energy of a song.
Who are you feeling right now? And how adorable is Willow Smith?
I read more than I listen to music. I try not to over expose myself to music because I want to create from a pure space. But there are artists who I have always listened to like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Fiona Apple and Billie Holiday. It’s so funny that you bring up Willow because Will Smith is my spiritual brother even though he probably doesn’t know that. I claimed him when I was like 12, I think. Willow’s song came out on the Singer’s Room at about the same time my single was on there. She’s amazing and I would expect no less than excellence from someone in the Smith family. I love what Will and Jada have created.
Now that your album is here, do you have a tour coming soon?
Absolutely! I consider my album to be an invitation to the tour. I’ve been talking to Musiq and Raheem DeVaughn about getting together and doing a neo-soul super tour, maybe starting in January.
