We are just one week away from the release of Natalie Stovall And The Drive’s new EP “Heartbreak”…and we couldn’t be more excited!
The Heartbreak EP is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign that was launched late last year, bringing in over $17k! The EP was recorded in Nashville and features some of Nashville’s best known songwriters including Victoria Banks, Nathan Chapman, Kyle Jacobs, Bruce Wallace, Jason Massey, Ruthie Collins, Jessica Roadcap, and Curt Gibbs.
And if that’s not exciting enough, here is a little something more for y’all…the official lyric video for their lead off single, “Heartbreak”. This is just a sample of how awesome every song on the new EP is…so be sure to get your copy when it is released February 23rd!
We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Natalie Stovall and her band The Drive and wanted to share with fans the reasons we love them, their music and how their EP became a reality.
What do you enjoy most about working together with your band…and how did you guys become “Natalie Stovall and the Drive”?
My band is some of the most committed, hard working, and talented people I’ve ever known. They are my band of brothers. And the fact that we get to travel the world and play music together is such a gift! James (drummer) and I started a band in college. When we got back to Nashville (I grew up right outside of here) we put an ad on Craigslist and found Miguel over 9 years ago. And Joel was introduced to us through a mutual friend!
What has been the most exciting part of the whole process and conception of your new EP ‘Heartbreak’?
Getting to partner with our fans to make it happen! We had no idea what to expect after the label shut down. But the outpouring of support and encouragement from our fans let us know that we weren’t making music in vain. And that we weren’t alone in the process, either.
You used “Kickstarter” to fund the release of your new EP, how does it feel to have the support and backing of your fans that are so excited for new music from you?
It’s incredible! We had no idea what to expect. But the response was overwhelming in the most wonderful way. We feel so lucky and blessed!
Who would you consider your musical icons, who influence you the most in your music?
Gah. I grew up on Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, Garth Brooks and Shania. Today I love Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert. I love writers and artists that aren’t afraid to take chances.
If you could do a duet with anyone, who would it be (if you haven’t already done it!)?
This past year I got to play Devil Went Down To Georgia with Charlie Daniels which was UNBELIEVABLE! Most epic fiddle duet I could have imagined. But as a singer? Garth Brooks or Steven Tyler or Dolly Parton.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, your most memorable moment?
It’s so hard to choose! We try to embrace all of the little moments. From releasing songs to radio, to seeing our videos on CMT and GAC, but I think getting to share the Grand Ole Opry stage with my band was a huge moment. I had my debut when I was 12. And I have always dreamed of being back on that stage with my own band, playing our own music. The Opry is such a magical place.
What would you like for your fans get out of your music?
Hope. I’ve been writing a lot about not giving up and hanging on even when it seems like all is lost. Whether it’s a sad song that allows you to feel the pain, or a fun song that makes you forget about the pain, or a song reminding you not to give up – I want people to never give up. To hope.
What has been your greatest performance to date – and why?
One year we got to play on the USS John C Stennis on Thanksgiving Day while it was deployed in the Persian Gulf. It was one of the most epic and electric performances I can remember. We flew onto the ship top-gun style in the cod aircraft with a catch landing, served Thanksgiving dinner to the sailors and marines aboard, and then played a show. They were surrounding the stage and sitting atop fighter jets. It was unreal. And such a privilege.
What was the first venue you ever performed at?
Haha. I’m not sure! I was 4 when I started playing, and I played on any and every stage that people would allow me to. I think my first “gig” (that wasn’t a fiddle competition or my brother’s NASCAR parties) was a candy striper’s luncheon at the hospital in my hometown of Columbia Tn. I was 8 and they had hired me to be the entertainment. I felt like such a rockstar!
You use your music to support the US armed forces which we think is wonderful cause? What is the history behind your passion for entertaining and helping our troops?
We have had the privilege of playing for our military both stateside and overseas now for nearly a decade. It is a VERY important part of what we do. My father is a retired army Colonel, so I’ve always wanted to do anything I can to give back to those that serve. The military crowds are some of the most gracious and passionate crowds we EVER play for. No matter how hard we try, we could never do enough to say “thank you”.
Leading up to the 2014 CMA Awards, you were featured in the “On The Road To The CMA Awards” digital series with JCPenney. How was it shooting a commercial as opposed to a music video?
It was so much fun!!! Even though the commercial was only a 30 second spot and music videos are the length of a song… It was SO much more involved! The commercial took 5 days to shoot, whereas the music videos I’ve done have all taken 1 or 2 days! The crew was about double the size and there were about 3x’s more sets. I loved every second of it!!! I love the process of film and tv and seeing how all the tiny pieces and details come together.
What are you looking forward to most for 2016? (We feel great things are going to continue to come for you guys!)
We are SO excited to release our new EP at the end of February and get back out on the road! The response from Heartbreak coming out has lifted our spirits so high. We have been bursting to share new music with everyone for a long time. I’ve also been out on the road with Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots which has been a blast! I love playing with those guys and getting to be a part of a whole different show. I also have another tour in the works with some of my favorite artists in Nashville 😉 and more details will be out about that soon!
We always like to know, what is something fun your fans may not know about you guys or you would like them to know about you?
We live our life in a Sprinter called Beyonce Van Shelton and she pulls Trailer Swift around. It’s pretty dope.
Natalie Stovall And The Drive have performed across college campuses, clubs and military bases and have opened for artists such as Dierks Bentley, the Doobie Brothers, Macklemore, Josh Turner, Blake Shelton, Gretchen Wilson, Kendrick Lamar and Justin Moore.
In addition to touring with The Drive, Natalie is currently on tour with Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots as a featured member of the band.
Check out the new lyric video for “Heartbreak” here!
For more information on Natalie Stovall and The Drive visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
