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Natalie Jones recently grabbed the number one spot on the BBC Sound of 2013, which groundbreaking artists Adele, 50 Cent, Jessie J and Ellie Goulding have all previously owned, way back when they were budding talent on the brink of fame. Raised in Holloway, London, Jones has been dedicated to her music since leaving school at 16. Aged only 17, she was spotted by music producer Daniel Huck for her remarkable songwriting skills, powerful vocals, and unique sound. She’s collaborated with top DJ, Redlight, and now with the upcoming release of her debut album ‘House on Fire’, an exciting blend of upbeat electropop and banging dance tracks, we get the chance to have a chat with Natalie, getting the inside info on her life as the hot new talent for 2013, and learning more about her plans to smash the music industry with a bang next year.

Congratulations on winning the top spot on BBC’s Sound of 2013! How does it feel knowing you’re in the same position Adele was just a few years ago?

Thank you! And yeah it’s totally overwhelming! It’s an amazing feeling knowing that you’ve been spotted for your talent and that people believe in you to go further and make it big. I also feel extremely grateful for the opportunity, as something like this is what I need to make the next step in my career. Absolutely crazy to think this is how Adele started back in 2008, no pressure or anything!

Your debut album ‘House on Fire’ is coming out in an month, what can people expect from the album?

It’s a bit of everything really. The sound is quite varied because it’s a compilation of tracks I’ve been writing for nearly 4 years. Most are upbeat and club friendly, but there’s a few darker ones too. It’s pretty much a journey of my life so far, I wrote about the shit times and the fucking fantastic ones so it’s a roller-coaster of a listen, but that’s what I love about it. There’s an exciting collaboration too, but that’s a secret!

Did you enjoy making the album? What would you say it’s like to work with you in the studio?

Yeah it’s been an amazing experience. I was actually writing tracks for the album when I was at school which was nearly 4 years ago, and some of them did make it on there, but it only really became a full time, focused project these last 18 months. It’s been intense, but totally worth it, and some of the people I’ve been able to work with have inspired me in so many ways. And I would like to say an absolute dream, but I’m sure my producer wouldn't agree! Nah I’m sure I’m not that bad, well maybe on Monday mornings I can be a bit of a fucking nightmare before you make me a coffee… I tend to be pretty easy going in the studio though, you have to be chilled in my opinion or it hinders your creativity, and pisses everyone off.

Who’s your biggest musical inspiration? And what’s currently playing on repeat?

Hmm, that’s so difficult! There’s so many inspiring songwriters and music artists! I would say the artist that really gave me a passion for Drum & Bass and dance music in general would be Andy C. I read about him in a magazine years ago and he sparked my interest for the genre and opened up my eyes to a whole new world of crazy electronic beats and remixes. This was back when I was in high school, and one of the reasons why I did not do any work or revision and failed my exams. At the moment I’ve been listening to a lot of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd. It’s not dance music, but so chilled out and I love Frank Ocean’s lyrics. Nothing like a bit of ‘Loft Music’ on a Sunday afternoon... mmm heaven!

So, what exactly are the plans for next year then? A tour? Any exciting collaborations you wanna tell us about?

Haven’t planned out any details yet but I already know next year is gonna be crazy! I’m touring around the UK from March until April so that’s something to look forward to. I’m hoping to do lots of festivals in the summer as well, as I got experience of that last year and it was fucking brill! There’s definitely a few collabs in the works, not a peep from me yet though or my manager might just kill me. I’m practically bursting with excitement, but you’ll just have to wait and see!

On the topic of collaborations, is there anyone you would love to work with in the future?

Yeah there’s so many talented DJ’s and producers I’d love to work with in the future like Tiesto and DJ Fresh. I could list more of my dream collaborations but to be honest I’ve got enough to focus on right now and I don’t wanna be getting ahead of myself. I keep on having to remind myself that the hard work is yet to come, this is hopefully only the beginning. Winning the BBC Sound of 2013 is the kickstart I’ve needed, but I wont get the success I’ve dreamed of it I don’t start working really rather fucking hard from this point onwards. Then maybe I’ll get out what I’ve put in, that’s what my mum always told me.

What are your plans for Christmas then? Time off to spend with the family/boyfriend?

Yep I’ve got a whole week off. I’m going back home to spend Christmas with my mum and brothers which will be so nice because I’ve really missed spending quality time with my family since working hard on the album. I already know it will be even tougher next year to regularly spend quality time with them because of all the promotion and touring, so I’ll be making the most of this Christmas and New Year. And haha I’m assuming that in other words your asking if there’s currently a special someone in my life? Because nope I’m a singleton and have been for a while now, music has been my focus for the past year or so and I haven’t felt ready to deal with a serious relationships at the same time. But who knows what 2013 might bring! ✦