Interview: Natasha Owens
LTTM spoke to award-winning singer/songwriter Natasha Owens shortly after the release of her third, full-length album, 'Warrior'. In this deeply honest and compelling interview, Natasha discusses how her father's sudden death led to a period of depression, and how Christian society needs to open up more about their feelings and emotions.
Tell us about your latest releases Warrior?
I am so excited about his project. I am in a different season of life; a 3rd chapter to my recovery. We wanted to create a project that had a happy and easy feeling without compromising the depth of the lyrics.
Backstory: 9-years-ago my dad was cleaning his guns and there was a bullet in the chamber and it went off and hit him in his heart. I down spiraled into depression. It was God crossing my path, at his perfect timing, that pulled me out. It was music that reached me when words could not. The first cd we created was a restoration project called “I Made It Through.” It represented making it through a trial. God began to deal with me about making it through not being the message. That rising above was the true message. This was the second chapter in my recovery. So, we named the second CD “We Will Rise.” This brings us to the 3rd CD. We named it “Warrior.” It represents the 3rd season in my recovery. The overcomer season. I feel like I am finally an overcomer. I have made it through the battle of my life. I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for God. I am so thankful that God brought me through.
Which is you favorite track off this new album?
It’s so hard to choose. I have so many favorites for different reasons. If I have to pick one, I choose “Warrior” because the meaning is my platform. God created us to help others.
When we go through faith shaking situations, wounds are created. Wounds that take a long time to heal. Once the wound heals, it leaves behind a scar. We automatically want to hide those scars because the scar is still sensitive or hard to talk about. Or we want God to erase them because we are ashamed. Our scars tell our story. They are a reminder of the battle that we survived. The scar is our testimony. Revelations 12:10-11 states that we shall overcome by the word of our testimony. When we share our testimony, we help to not only bring healing to ourselves, but we help to bring healing to others. So, what does this have to do with “Warrior”? Warriors stand up and help lead others into battle. Warriors may be scared and weak, but they don’t hesitate to stand up and fight because they know God is going to be with them. “Warrior” is a song that is an anthem. It is a call to action. A movement. Warriors don’t give up and they don’t back down. They pick up their sword and shield and fight.
There are some big, hard, powerful songs on this album. Did you find these songs difficult to write?
Actually, no. Quickest songs we have ever written. My husband and I partnered with Ian Eskelin. We wrote 5 songs in 1 day and 4 the next. It flowed so quickly. These topics are all about the path that I have walked and the emotions that I feel, sometimes on a daily basis. So they were easy topics for me to write about.
Do you think artists should be more honest in their music?
ABSOLUTELY! I also feel that the Christian society, as a whole, needs to be more honest with their message, emotions, feelings and advice. Sometimes we can be so faith-based that we ignore the real situations in our lives and in others. Situations that need to be faced and worked through. I think If we did this, we would see a dramatic decrease in the mental health numbers. People today just want, whoever is on stage, to shoot them straight. Just be real and honest.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I would have to say Elvis. Fun fact, my Great Grandmother was a midwife in Saltillo, Mississippi and lived right down the street from Elvis’ family. She was the one that delivered Elvis, so... hello, he kind of owes me... hahaha. In all seriousness, he had a very religious upbringing and it showed in a lot of his music. I think we could have created some great music together.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I feel that I line up directly under CCM. I am a product of the 80’s - in my opinion, the best genre of music. You can definitely hear the 80’s influence in this Warrior album; from the 80’s guitars to the production undertones.
How would you define success in your career?
I define success only by this: are we making an impact and difference in the people we are coming in contact with? Do they see and feel God and not necessarily me? All the awards and patting on the back do nothing if these 2 above questions are not fulfilled.
What is your favourite album of all time?
The 16-year-old version of me would say, Hysteria by Def Leppard. But I have evolved and grown as a person. A person with more depth. Now, I think Journey’s Greatest Hits would be at the top.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
So, if I am understanding the situation correctly that you would have a phone and battery life, I would call AAA and ask if they can send a roadside helicopter. But if you want the answer to be a song, that would depend on my current circumstances. Probably “Oceans.” If I have ran out of food then probably, “Hungry like a Wolf.” If I have been in the sun too long then “Delirious.” Hahaha
What does the next year hold for Natasha Owens?
God is constantly blowing our mind. We are going to be very busy getting the new music and message out. We are excited to be a part of “The Warrior Event” tour starting in the fall. We will also be writing and going back into the studio to get the next project completed.
