Natalie Prass, “Bird Of Prey”

by | Aug 7, 2014

Nashville singer/songwriter Natalie Prass is the latest artist to work with RVA record label/recording studio collective Spacebomb Records, and “Bird Of Prey” is the first taste of their collaborative efforts to reach the public. And what a taste it is!


Nashville singer/songwriter Natalie Prass is the latest artist to work with RVA record label/recording studio collective Spacebomb Records, and “Bird Of Prey” is the first taste of their collaborative efforts to reach the public. And what a taste it is!

This mannered, symphonic pop tune could be called a 70s throwback, merely by virtue of the fact that the Spacebomb crew eschews all forms of digital sequencing in favor of actual musicians playing the instruments it sounds like you’re hearing–but I hope no one sees that sort of sound as old-fashioned. “Bird Of Prey” has a lush, warm feel, as if you’re in the middle of a big room surrounded by veritable orchestra of musicians all playing at once. Rather than being outmoded, the creation of that sound is a labor of love, something that takes more effort and more collaboration but yields results that are worth every additional hour it takes.

In fact, I can’t imagine anyone listening to “Bird Of Prey” and thinking the work wasn’t worth it. Prass’s gorgeous, delicate voice is framed by a soft pillow of strings and horns, all based on a solid but unobtrusive rhythmic foundation. The video, directed by Tony Forgey, is a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Spacebomb studios, which will make it a fascinating watch for any Richmond music fan. There are clearly tons of people playing on this song and the album from which it was taken (more about that in a moment).

We see everything from the rhythm section laying down tracks in the secret attic space known as Spacebomb West to huge string sections, complete with a conductor, recording in the fancy new Spacebomb studio downtown. Matthew E. White supervises the entire scene from behind the control room, and occasionally steps out to lay down some tasty guitar licks. And of course, the lovely and talented Ms. Prass records vocals, sometimes while crouched in a corner behind some amplifiers. These were my favorite scenes–watching musicians do weird shit in pursuit of their creative muse never fails to fascinate me.

“Bird Of Prey” is apparently just one of nine songs we’ll hear on the forthcoming full-length release by Natalie Prass on Spacebomb Records. If you’re eager for more and don’t want to spend the next few months just looping this YouTube clip over and over, never fear, because the “Bird Of Prey” digital single is currently available on iTunes along with its B-side, “Any Time Any Place.” Grab that by clicking HERE.

And if you’re thinking that B-side title sounds familiar, you’re correct, because it’s a Janet Jackson cover (the original of which was sampled by Kendrick Lamar for his song “Poetic Justice”). Spacebomb actually issued a tongue-in-cheek warning to go with this particular rendition: “When in the company of a significant other or beautiful stranger, Spacebomb respectfully suggests listening to this track inside a bedroom or hotel room.” Which is enough to make me want to buy that track right now, personally. We don’t have a release date for the full-length yet, but if you’re curious, keeping up with Spacebomb on facebook is never a bad call. Or you can sign up for their mailing list at spacebombrecords.com. Tell em RVA Mag sent you!

By Andrew Necci

Marilyn Drew Necci

Marilyn Drew Necci

Former GayRVA editor-in-chief, RVA Magazine editor for print and web. Anxiety expert, proud trans woman, happily married.




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