Natalie Joy’s musical roots run deep — from singing “special music” in church at four years old to dreaming of collaborating with funk legend Bootsy Collins. A singer-songwriter with a storyteller’s heart and a funk-loving soul, Natalie blends classic influences like Carole King and Whitney Houston with Savannah’s vibrant jam scene. Whether she’s playing intimate patio shows, jumping into open jams, or collaborating on a new trip-hop project, Natalie Joy is carving out her own lane in the Hostess City.
What first got you into music?
I started singing with my Dad at about four years old. We did the “special music” sections of church services all over the country, including Angelus Temple in Los Angeles. He was a music minister and worship leader in Ohio and I always played guitars and sang in his worship band. My mother played flute and sang. Music was big in our family.
I started singing with my Dad at about four years old… Music was big in our family.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Electric Lights Orchestra, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bootsy Collins, Whitney Houston, Sade, Chaka Khan, and Aretha Franklin. This is a hard question, there are so many!
What draws you to your preferred genre(s)?
I love singer-songwriters who tell a story – like Carole King, James Taylor, Bread.
I love singer-songwriters who tell a story — like Carole King and James Taylor.
How did you get started in the Savannah music scene?
I played bass for a special gig at Lattimore with Xulu Jones and Oisin Daly from XuluProphet. I was new to town and met some amazing people!
What are your favorite Savannah venues to play, and why?
I love Open Mic’s at Abe’s because of the community we have there. I love to jam with XuluProphet at their live band Open Jam at Barrelhouse South because I love the lights and sound. And I love the little shows I do with Shena Verrett at Tandem Coffee and Spirits and on the patio at Tacos & Tequila because it’s a nice intimate dinner show.
What’s your most memorable or craziest Savannah performance?
I love playing New Year’s Eve! I love the energy! I played my first New Year’s Eve in Savannah 2022 at Tandem on Bay St. and then we all watched the fireworks! It was magic! Then New Year’s Eve 2024 at the Daley. (a DIY venue) It was such a great crowd of people!
I love playing New Year’s Eve! I love the energy!
What are your thoughts on the current state of Savannah’s music scene?
I hope to see more restaurants in the historic district with live music programs. Tourists expect to see music when they visit here.
What is your creative process like?
I started playing guitar when I was a confused teen so I still enjoy a lot of quiet time alone with my guitar. The older I get, the more I need my life together and a solid routine to feel more creative.
How do you prepare mentally for a live show?
That’s a good question, I guess I am playing my guitar in my mind as I’m getting ready. I’m visualizing my chords in my mind for each song and hoping I brought my pickup for my old acoustic guitar!
What’s a “guilty pleasure” song or artist you secretly love?
OMG, the KPop Demon Hunters! 😀 😀 My kids made me watch it around Christmas Break and I cried like a baby. Now I play Golden like every other day! I also have started listening to Japanese musicians that are featured in Jiu Jitsu Kaisen. This is all my kids fault.
If you could play ANYWHERE in Savannah — even a weird location — where would it be?
I would really love to open up for a band at Victory North! It’s such a nice venue!
If you created an All-Star Savannah Band, who would be in it?
OMG, ok so Dope KNife would spin beats and rap, Dartagnon Lark would also be playing drums, Tamara Isaak-Harrington on lead guitar and vocals, Osin Daly lead guitar, Xulu Jones rhythm guitar, (3 guitarists :D), Big E on bass. Veronica from Bero Bero on keys Vocalists: Shena Verrett, Ashley from Victory Drive, and Susannah Dyer Kennedy (and violin!).
What’s next for you—any new music, shows, or collaborations coming up?
We’ll be back at Tacos and Tequila on Habersham on Wednesday nights when the weather gets warmer.
I’m collaborating with Dope KNife to do a “Trip-Pop” type album. Something a little more fun and poppy that you can dance to. It’s a little detour from all I’ve been writing lately so I’m excited about this one! I’m also working on recording an acoustic album as a project to learn to record myself.
Are there any styles, genres, or sounds you want to experiment with?
I’d love to do some more Funk and Trip Hop and I really want to make one angry girl rock album.
Is there a collaboration you’re hoping to make happen someday?
I’ve talked to both James Lee Smith and Big E about doing a song together. I think that would be awesome. They are amazing guitarists.
I still have this impossible dream of collaborating with my hero Bootsy Collins! I think we could make a funky track!
I still have this impossible dream of collaborating with my hero Bootsy Collins! I think we could make a funky track!
