A New York Noel

Hi Everyone, 

I just got back from the enchanted city of New York. I made a spontaneous decision to spend Christmas there - and as always, it was an inspiring adventure.  

 

I hung out with some old friends that I hadn't seen since my trip to Tokyo in 2009, and had the pleasure of watching their daughter dance the lead role in the Nutcracker ballet - so magical! 

Unfortunately on the first night of my stay I managed, in my clumsiness, to break a toe, (walked into a table) so I didn't do as much exploring of the city as I would have liked to.   Nonetheless, in the little bit of hobbling around that I did do, there were some fun highlights; discovering the charming streets of Soho, playing a gig in a cozy bar in Queens, walking through the woods of a North Manhattan park, listening to some quality live hip hop in the subway and checking out the famous Christmas tree and lights near the Rockefeller Centre. 

So this morning, after a long sleepless overnight bus ride, (the guy next to me was rapping along to some gangster music all night) I finally arrived home and have been getting into gear to prepare for my upcoming gig at the Musideum on February 6th.  I'll tell you more about the soon, but for now I just wanted to wish you all a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year!

 

Sending you all lots of love.

Natasha Nouveau xx

Halifax Highlights

I'm back in Toronto after an amazing one week adventure to Halifax.  It's already starting to feel like a surreal dream, so I thought I'd share with you some of the highlights, mostly to remind myself that it actually did happen. 

At the last minute my good friend and music collaborator, Asher Ettinger decided to come with me.   I've never had anybody join me on a travel adventure before, so it was fun having company for a change.

We left Toronto on the morning of Halloween...

Our tiny cabin for two was a tight fit, but we managed to survive it with out killing each other.  Red wine and ample supplies of snacks and chocolate were the saving grace.  Phew!

This new purchase also helped to kill some time. (An inspiring read, if anyone is looking for one)...

I had to perform 3 one hour shows each way of the journey, which essentially takes about 30 hours.  My audience was lovely as usual:)

One night I even had an impromptu jam with one of the passengers and discovered for the first time that harmonica is not a bad accompaniment for some of my songs - thanks Len :)

Halifax proved to be a charming city.  I like the vibe of the down town core, lots of old buildings and cool little bars and cafes.  The music scene is pretty happening to.  Managed to check out some jazz...

And a Celtic jam...loved it!

Spent a lot of time wandering around the city streets and walked the length of the waterfront board walk.  When that got too icy cold, we took cover in the art gallery.  I was so happy discover the work of local artist Maud Lewis.  What a little sweet heart she was.  Her fairytale-like home was actually small enough to be reconstructed in one of the gallery halls.

We also rented a car and did some exploring on the outskirts of Town.  As usual I had to get stoned on motion sick pills to survive the winding roads. Hence why I look so sleepy in this shot, taken at the famous Peggy's Cove.

I may be Natasha Nouveau, but some things will never change...

My favorite discovery was a magical place called Crystal Crescent Beach - my first time seeing the Atlantic Ocean....So amazing!

Incidently, I decided the best way to appreciate and celebrate this magnificent ocean was to eat fish and chips ever single day I was there.  It seemed like a good idea at the time :)

Sadly, the adventure was all over in a flash and before I knew it I was back at the VIA rail station, singing my final farewell to Halifax.... 

I made my last appearance on the train...

And finally, took the long journey back to Toronto...

Home sweet...





Ugh...Home.

NN xx

Travel Bug Returns

Hello everyone! It's been a while...

Thought I better let you all know that I'm performing on the VIA Rail train again - but this time I'm going to Halifax - I leave in the morning! Woo hoo! Can't wait :)

I'm looking forward to checking out the East coast for the first time and exploring some of the beautiful coast line that everyone has been telling me about.  Of course, blustering winds and rainy cold, weather may put a dampener on the experience, (quite literally) but it will be an adventure none-the-less :)

Since writing to you last, I've been delving into the visual arts, experimenting with some promo ideas for the official change over to Natasha Nouveau.  Not really sure where it will lead but I'm having fun ...

 

So with any luck, I'll have my new website up and running soon...ish...

Other good news, is that I've started to record some songs with the generous help of my friend Asher Ettinger.  We're having lots of fun in the process, so hopefully that will translate into the overall sound of the tracks.  Red wine and chocolate will definitely be written up in the credits if an album ever comes from it :)

I'll be in touch soon with a Halifax update.

Hope everyone is doing well

NN xx

The Musideum

I had an amazing first show as Natasha Nouveau at the Musideum last week.  What a special venue.  Donald Quan, its founder and creative director, is a total sweet heart and works tirelessly towards its upkeep, presenting different acts every night of the week.  Here are some of the photos he took on the night...

 

 

 

Sending out a big thank you to my amazing accompanists Asher Ettinger on Piano and Rebecca Campbell on percussion and backing vocals.

 

 

I'll be spending the next couple of months preparing the official change over to Natasha Nouveau including new photos, new website, new videos etc... so stay tuned for details, there is much to tell you :)

 

NN xx

 

The New Me...

Big news everyone!  I've decided to change my stage name to NATASHA NOUVEAU - she's the new me...new songs, new look, new approach...

 

You're going to be hearing a lot more about this soon, but for now I just want to tell you about a gig I've got coming up on Wednesday 6th August.  It's at the Musideum - a beautiful intimate venue, that is actually an instrument shop by day and performance space by night. 

 

 

It's in one of my favorite buildings in Toronto - 401 Richmond - an old factory converted into art galleries, studios and arts based shops and workshops (actually its the same building where I do flamenco dancing :) Lots of fun stuff to discover there if you haven't already been) 

 

Show starts at 8pm.  Its quite a small venue with limited seats, so if you're keen, please let me know in advance so that I can reserve a seat for you.  Email me at natashabouchardmusic@gmail.com

 

I will be accompanied by Asher Ettinger on grand piano and Rebecca Campbell on backing vocals and percussion.  Can't wait :)

 

I'm looking forward to sharing some new songs with you all...

 

Hope to see you there

 

NN x

Music In The Atruim

This past week I was invited to perform a very special gig.  It was a show for the patients, family and staff at the Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital in Toronto.  This was part of a weekly series, "Music In the Atrium", that has been in existence since 1996 as part of the "Healing Beyond the Body, Cancer and the Arts Program" at the hospital.  It was first founded by Tauba and Solomon Spiro in honor of Max Tenenbaum. In July they even move the series to the rooftop of the hospital and begin the 'Jazz for the Soul' sessions.  I am so impressed with Canada's medical system right now! It's nice to know that they are being so proactive and considering the emotional and spiritual well being of their patients as well as their physical needs. 

It was an honor to be selected as one of the artists to perform at this event. The experience reminded me of how grateful I am to have music in my life, a gift that I can share with others and one that allows me to connect with so many beautiful and interesting people from all walks of life. 

I performed the show with my accompanist and good friend Asher Ettinger.  The hospital has a baby grand piano available for use, so we had great fun adapting the songs to this format. 

  

Aside from that, I've been keeping a pretty low profile, because I'm busy working on some new songs for my upcoming gig at the Musideum on 6th August.  Stay tuned for more details. 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Natasha xx  

Back like a Boomerang!

I'm finally back in Toronto after spending two and a half sunny months in my home town of Perth, Western Australia.  It was my first time back in 4 years so most of my time was spent catching up with friends and family, but I did manage to squeeze a few shows into my busy schedule.   

 

My first show was in Fremantle at the old Norfolk Basement - which has recently been revamped and renamed 'The Odd Fellow'.    The best part was I got to perform with my old band mates, David Sandercock on Piano and Stewart Robertson on Drums.  These guys are so amazing, they were good to go after one quick rehearsal!

 

I also did a show at 'The Ellington Jazz Club', one of my old favorites - that's where I recorded a live EP just before I left Australia in 2010. 

 

 

At the last minute I was accepted into the Nannup Music Festival, a wonderful weekend event, held in a charming country town, a few hours South West of Perth.

This festival attracts International acts as well as some of Australia's highest profile bands.  I had a great crowd at my afternoon show and was pleasantly surprised to be approached by a bunch of old fans who were excited to tell me they still listen to my EPs.  It was nice to discover that after all these years of being away, my music hasn't been forgotten. 

The night before I left, I performed at the Hainault Winery in the Bickley Valley (Perth Hills) It was an outdoor stage, with a scenic backdrop of rolling hills, covered in vineyards and bounded by eucalyptus trees - the perfect way to end my trip and bid farewell to Australia once again.

 

Aside from performing and socializing, I managed to fit in quite a bit of beach time...

 

Chilled out in a hammock and caught up on some reading...

Did a bit of drawing...

 

And even started flamenco dancing... Ole!

 

I also sorted through some boxes of memorabilia I left at my mums house, and realized... I've been on this music adventure for a very long time!

 

 

It was great to touch base with the South side of the planet again, but its also good to be back in Toronto, my new home.  The last 12 months have been a whirlwind of fun,  but for the remainder of 2014, I plan to stay still for a while, and focus on writing and recording the songs that have been inspired by all my travel adventures.
 

 

Can't wait to share them with you all.

 

Stay tuned for updates. xx