Natalia Kills

Natalia Kills

Kills performing at The Bootleg Theater, February 2014.
Background information
Birth name Natalia Noemi Keery-Fisher
Also known as
  • Verbal
  • Verbalicious[1]
  • Verse
  • Natalia Noemi Cappuccini[2]
  • Teddy Sinclair
Born (1986-08-15) 15 August 1986
Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, UK
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • television personality
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • drums
  • guitar
Years active 1995–present
Labels
Website www.nataliakills.com

Teddy Sinclair (born Natalia Noemi Keery-Fisher; 15 August 1986)[5][6][7] is an English singer and actress who formerly performed under the names Verbalicious and Natalia Kills. She was born, and raised for part of her early life, in Bradford, and studied at the Bradford Girls' Grammar School In 2008, record executive and producer will.i.am signed her to his label will.i.am Music Group, an imprint of Interscope Records.

As Natalia Kills, Sinclair released her debut album, Perfectionist, in 2011, and her second album, Trouble, in September 2013. In 2014, she married boyfriend Willy Moon, who is a singer on the same label. In 2015 the couple were featured as judges on the second season of the New Zealand version of The X Factor, but after the season's first live show they were fired after their scathing remarks towards a contestant were deemed unacceptable by broadcaster TV3. As of July 2015, she now goes by and performs under her legal name Teddy Sinclair.[8] In 2016, she started a band, Cruel Youth, with her husband. Their first song, "Mr. Watson", was released on Soundcloud in February, followed by "Diamond Days" in April.

Life and career

1986–2010: Early life and career beginnings

Sinclair was born Natalia Noemi Keery-Fisher in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to a British father of Afro-Jamaican heritage and a Uruguayan mother,[9] and attended Bradford Girls' Grammar School. Her family left Bradford when she was a child and she spent her early years travelling between England, Jamaica and Spain.[10]

Acting professionally since the age of nine, she attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, studying classical drama. She ran away from home when she was 14 and shifted her focus away from acting.[5][11][12][13][14] She has described her teenage years as "degenerate," stating that she tried to set her ex-boyfriend's house on fire while both were in it. She had frequent legal trouble and periodically experienced suicidal depression.[11][15] She was also briefly involved with a religious cult.[16]

Her acting debut was in New Voices. She had a regular role as Sima on the TV sitcom All About Me and as Amy Franks in the BBC's radio drama The Archers. She began writing songs at 14.[17] After finishing with The Archers in 2003, She began pursuing a music career and had a significant breakthrough as "Candy Rapper" in 2003, when she won a BBC Radio 1 MC Battle in Leeds.[5] She signed to the UK record company Adventures in Music and released her first single "Don't Play Nice" under the name Verbalicious in February 2005. Kills told W that her childhood nickname from her mother was "Verbal" because she talked and sang a lot. She adopted the name and variations of it as her stage name at some points during her career.[18]

In 2007, while writing music for films,[19] she posted Womannequin, a demo she produced and wrote under the name Natalia Cappuccini, to MySpace. The EP received 2 million plays on the website, and she reached the top of the unsigned artists chart.[18] During this time, using the name Verse, she also co-wrote and appeared on "They Talk Shit About Me" by French recording artist M. Pokora and met Guillaume Doubet, who would go on to direct many of her videos, in Paris. Kills moved to Los Angeles in 2008. Arriving without money or a place to live, Kills "lived out of these motels, bumming around, trying to work with or make songs with anyone who would have me for a couple of hours in the studio". At the time she says she did awful things adding "I was just trying to survive and I was too young to know better."[20] While in L.A., a DJ introduced her to will.i.am after hearing her demo and learning that she did not have a record deal.[21][22] In January 2009, will.i.am signed her to his record label, will.i.am Music Group.[19] "We had a really good creative chemistry," she said in a 2011 Billboard interview.[23]

2010–14: Perfectionist, Trouble and marriage

Kills adopted the stage name Natalia Kills from the interjection "you killed it!",[24] after her record company advised her that her legal name, "Natalia Cappuccini", was "indescribable."[19] Kills released her debut album Perfectionist in Germany in April 2011 following the release of her first single, "Mirrors", which hit the German Top 10. The album was described as a concept album by Kills, claiming that everybody is a perfectionist.[17] The album was accompanied by four singles, "Mirrors", "Wonderland", "Free" and "Kill My Boyfriend". Through 2010 and 2011 Kills opened for Kelis, Robyn, Kesha, Katy Perry and the Black Eyed Peas over various tours.[18][24][25] Two tracks from Perfectionist, "Free" feat. will.i.am, and "Mirrors," hit the Top 10 in Europe and achieved sales of over 750,000.[14][26] Kills was featured in LMFAO's single, "Champagne Showers," and in Junior Caldera's single "Lights Out (Go Crazy)".[27]

On 14 September 2012, Kills unveiled the video for "Controversy" to start promotion of her second studio album, Trouble. The album was centered on her troubled childhood.[28] Kills attended an after-party for the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, held on 25 August 2013 in Brooklyn, New York City, where she performed various songs from Trouble. Two days later, "Outta Time" was released as the album's second promotional recording free of charge in a Polydor Records newsletter,[29] coinciding with the US release of Trouble.[30] Trouble was officially released on 3 September 2013 as a digital download in the United States and Canada.[31]

On 10 April 2014, American singer-songwriter Madonna shared pictures online showing her along with Kills and Martin Kierszenbaum in a recording studio.[32][33] On the same day, fashion editor Alex Catarinella officially declared to BlackBook magazine that Kills would be married to Willy Moon on 23 May, in New York City.[34] During an interview she gave to New Zealand-edited fashion magazine Black, Kills said she had just moved in with Moon and that she had been recording a few songs.[35] On 31 May 2014, she was invited to charity event Life Ball, which took place in Vienna, Austria,[36][37] mostly for a live performance kicking off the event, and a concert. On 29 June, she made an appearance at the Minneapolis gay pride festival,[38] where she appeared on stage dressed as a bride. In mid-October 2014, while interviewed for Paper Magazine, she confirmed the future release of new material.[39]

2015-present: The X Factor, Collaborations and Cruel Youth

Kills and husband Willy Moon were featured as judges and mentors on season 2 of the New Zealand version of The X Factor. They were the mentors of the Boys and Groups categories respectively. During the first live show, in a highly-publicized scandal, the two made scathing remarks towards contestant Joe Irvine.[40] Kills described Irvine as a doppelganger over his alleged copying of Moon's hairstyle and dress sense, deeming him a "laughing stock", overtly "cheesy" and "disgusting",[41] while Moon compared Irvine to the fictional killer Norman Bates. The comments led to widespread condemnation on social media, including a petition to have Kills fired from the show, which reportedly received over 70,000 signatures within 24 hours.[42] The show's sponsors, franchise owner and judges Melanie Blatt and Stan Walker also voiced disapproval of the incident, and Moon and Kills were both fired from the show the next day.[43] Kills was replaced by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, a former judge on the Australian version of the show, while Moon was replaced by Shelton Woolright.

After departing The X Factor, it was revealed in the media that Kills had been dropped by her record label, Cherrytree Records, shortly before appearing on the show.[44][45] Kills confirmed to Billboard that she was no longer with Cherrytree Records, but that she was still with Interscope Records.[46]

Sinclair worked with Madonna on her album Rebel Heart, co-writing the song "Holy Water".[47]

In 2015, Sinclair's song “Problem” off of her album Trouble (released in 2013) was featured in the film soundtrack for Pitch Perfect 2 which hit Number 1 in the album charts [48] and won an American Music Award.[49]

Sinclair worked with Rihanna on her eighth studio album Anti, co-writing the song "Kiss It Better".[50]

In early 2016, Sinclair started a band, Cruel Youth, with (her husband) Moon. Their first song, "Mr. Watson", was released on Soundcloud in February, that was then followed by "Diamond Days" in April, which was also released on ITunes.

Style and influences

Kills has mentioned Kate Bush and Alanis Morissette as her most important musical influences, describing them as emotional artists "who write honestly about their opinions and experiences."[51] The singer also stated she considered Gwen Stefani, who is a musical and stylistic inspiration, as her "hero",[52] adding that Prince, Vanity 6, and Freddie Mercury have already inspired her during live performances.[24] Kills explores music that is both confessional and bold when looking for inspiration, she reveals: "I don't listen to music to let go, I listen to dive in", listing Hole, Marilyn Manson, and Eminem among her favorite artists and bands with whom she grew up.[53] According to Jon O'Brien of AllMusic, Kills gradually composed a musical tone incorporating "the theatrical dance-pop of Lady Gaga, 1940s film noir, and the electro-gloom of Depeche Mode."[54] She also reported that she has always been a pop music fan, especially in evoking contemporary "new age" artists as Adele, Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds,[55] Ivy Levan and Lorde.[56]

Kills claims to be influenced by her own experiences. She is also inspired by cinema when composing songs. In this regard, she said during an interview for MKR Magazine:

I'm a huge fan of Stanley Cooper, Tarantino, Gaspar Noé. I love anything that's beautiful and disturbing and horrifying and gorgeous at the same time. I do get inspired, definitely. I don't listen to a lot of music except my own, but I definitely like music a lot.[57]

Discography

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1995 New Voices Pearl Episode: "The Treasure of Zavimbi"
2002–04 All About Me Sima Main cast
2003 Casualty Samina Khan Episode: "Stuck in the Middle with You"
2003 Coronation Street Laura Mangen 2 episodes
2004 Doctors Hazel Perry Episode: "A Decisive Moment"
2004 Blue Murder Anisa Khan Episode: "Fragile Relations"
2005 No Angels Sujata Series 2, episode 7
2006 Silent Witness Kelly Wetherby Episode: "Supernova: Part 1"
2006 Tripping Over Julie 2 episodes
2007 Cape Wrath Kerry Episode: "Pilot"
2015 X Factor (New Zealand), TheThe X Factor (New Zealand) Herself Series 2 judge; 1 episode
Web
Year Title Role Notes
2010 Love, Kills xx Herself Web series; 10 episodes

References

  1. ↑ "Zombies in Wonderland: The Curious Case of Natalia Kills". Vertigo Shtick. 6 April 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  2. ↑ Christine Challand (26 February 2006). "The Borchester Babes". The Mail on Sunday. p. 32. Natalia Keery-Fisher in Ambridge: Natalia, who has recently changed her stage name to Natalia Cappucini, ...
  3. ↑ O'Brien, John. "Natalia Kills". AllMusic.com. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  4. ↑ Villagomez, Andrew (11 March 2013). "LISTEN: Natalia Kills' 'Problem'". Out. Here Media. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 Emma Clayton (7 April 2006). "Natalia's rapping delight". Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
  6. ↑ "Natalia Keery-Fisher". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
  7. ↑ Sergio Kletnoy (15 August 2013). "MC@Play: Natalia Kills". Marie Claire. Retrieved 15 November 2013.Michael Slenske (July 2011). "Five Minutes with Natalia Kills". W. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  8. ↑ Natalia Kills changes her name to Teddy Sinclair, digitalspy.co.uk; accessed 14 August 2015.
  9. ↑ Leigh Belz (1 December 2010). "Natalia Kills on Her Album Perfectionist and Lady Gaga". Teen Vogue. Condé Nast Publications. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
  10. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason (8 August 2013). "Natalia Kills Gets Real on 'Trouble' Album: 'I Wanted To Confront Who I Am Head-On'". Billboard. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  11. 1 2 Stoeffel, Kat (31 October 2012). "Natalia Kills Wants to Watch You Watch Her Do 'Horrible Things'". New York. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  12. ↑ Caterinella, Alex (20 November 2013). "How To Be a Popstar With Natalia Kills". Style Icon. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  13. ↑ Fairfax NZ News (22 November 2013). "Natalia Kills has a guilty mind". Stuff New Zealand. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  14. 1 2 Corner, Lewis (7 August 2013). "Natalia Kills interview: 'I thought I would be dead by now'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  15. ↑ Swaggerblog Staff (Fall 2013). "Exclusive: Natalia Kills Wears The Best In Fall Fashion, Causes "Trouble" With Her Sophomore Album". Swagger New York. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  16. ↑ Breslin, Yale (11 September 2013). "Natalia Kills: Bad Girl. Big Trouble.". Life + Times. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  17. 1 2 "Natalia Kills – Music Interview". Digital Spy. 20 April 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 Michael Slenske (15 August 2011). "Five Minutes With Natalia Kills: Editors' Blog". Wmagazine.com. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  19. 1 2 3 "Natalia Kills: Interview". Gigwise. 15 September 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  20. ↑ Chunks, Rebecca (Fall 2013). "Exclusive Interview: Natalia Kills". MKR Magazine. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  21. ↑ Shoonmaker, Vaughn (16 November 2010). "Natalia Kills Hooks Up With Will.i.am For 'Dark Pop' Debut". MTV. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  22. ↑ "Interview with...Natalia Kills!". MuuMuse. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  23. ↑ Chapman, Alex (13 July 2011). "Natalia Kills on Will.i.am, Bill Clinton, Her 'F--k You Pop'". Billboard. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  24. 1 2 3 "Natalia Kills Interview". MVRemix. 9 May 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  25. ↑ "Ke$ha Confirms Special Guests LMFAO For 'Get Sleazy' UK Tour & Tickets – Stereoboard UK". Stereoboard.com. 13 May 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
  26. ↑ "NATALIA KILLS – TROUBLE (ITUNES MASTERED VERSION) (2013)". Fresh Remix. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  27. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Lights Out (Go Crazy) [feat. Natalia Kills & Far East Movement] - Single by Junior Caldera". Itunes.apple.com. 13 March 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  28. ↑ Lansky, Sam (3 September 2013). "Natalia Kills' 'Trouble': Album Review". Idolator.
  29. ↑ "Natalia Kills". Polydor/Universal Music. 27 August 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
  30. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Outta Time – Single by Natalia Kills". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. 3 September 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  31. ↑ "Trouble: Amazon.ca: Music". Amazon.ca. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  32. ↑ "Madonna hits studio with Kills". The Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  33. ↑ "Martin Kierszenbaum : Mes sessions en Studio avec Madonna !". madonnarama.com (in French). 3 June 2014.
  34. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Natalia Kills Announces Marriage to Willy Moon + Exclusive Photos". bbook.com. 13 May 2014.
  35. ↑ "BLACK #21: KISS & KILLS - NATALIA KILLS". blackmagazine.co.nz. 19 May 2014.
  36. ↑ "Life Ball 2014 in the City Hall". lifeball.org. 2014.
  37. ↑ "From kooky to cool: Kesha arrives in Vienna for the Life Ball looking fresh in a floral dress and with bubblegum pink hair". dailymail.co.uk. 30 May 2014.
  38. ↑ "TWIN CITIES PRIDE GUIDE 2014". vita.mn. 25 June 2014.
  39. ↑ Tahirah Hairston (15 October 2014). Paper Magazine, ed. "HOW NATALIA KILLS IS SEDUCING THE WORLD".
  40. ↑ "Pressure on TV3 after X Factor judges Willy Moon and Natalia Kills humiliate contestant on live TV". New Zealand Herald. 16 March 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  41. ↑ Downes, Siobhan (16 March 2015). "X Factor: Bullying outcry over Natalia Kills attack". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  42. ↑ "X Factor judges Natalia Kills, Willy Moon sacked". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  43. ↑ Beswick, Angela (16 March 2015). "Natalia Kills, Willy Moon fired from X Factor NZ". TV3. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  44. ↑ "Axed X Factor judge Natalia Kills no longer has a record deal". New Zealand Herald. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  45. ↑ Team, News (18 March 2015). "Natalia Kills already dropped from her label prior to 'X Factor' sacking". NME. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  46. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason (19 March 2015). "Natalia Kills Speaks To Billboard: 'Sometimes TV Producers Plan Drama For Ratings'". Billboard. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  47. ↑ "REBEL HEART". Madonna.com. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  48. ↑ "'Pitch Perfect 2' Soundtrack Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  49. ↑ "2015 Winners". American Music Awards. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  50. ↑ "ANTI (Deluxe Edition) | Rihanna". www.rihannanow.com. Retrieved 2016-02-02.
  51. ↑ Pamela (14 August 2011). "Exclusive Interview: Natalia Kills Speaks to GTS". Girlstalkinsmack.com.
  52. ↑ "Twitter / NataliaKills: @gagas_lil_hobo Gwen Stefani". Twitter.com. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  53. ↑ "Natalia Kills - Homepage". Mataliakills.com. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  54. ↑ O'Brien, John. "Natalia Kills | Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  55. ↑ "Natalia Kills - interview (effect music tour)". YouTube. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  56. ↑ "Bootleg Theater // Miriam Bryant, Ivy Levan, Natalia Kills on Vimeo". Vimeo.com. 20 February 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  57. ↑ Archived 22 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine.

External links

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