"Monkey Swallows the Universe started with me and Kev in 2003 when we just finished uni. And Kev persuaded me to start playing songs in public, 'cause I wouldn't have done it otherwise," said Nat when visiting music reporter Rachael Clegg's Front Room.

Nat continued:

"We just did that for about a year and a half, two years, just doing duo stuff. And we got, you know, we started to do quite well, and the SPC asked us to do an album. Then we got some other people in, Rob and Andy and Cate, initially just to do one song but it kind of grew and grew until we were, you know, a proper band.

"We got touring with Richard Hawley and the Long Blondes, did lots of festivals, and had a brilliant time. We released the second album with Loose music, who were like a London based Americana sort of label.

"Then end of last year I was big, bad Nat and decided that I wanted to just break off and do something else," said Nat.

"Do you regret it at all?" asked Rachael.

"I don't know. I kind of miss the kind of gigs we were doing, but musically I just wanted to something... I wanted to do something on my own for a start so that I could get a bit more confidence. And I just, eventually, wanted to get a bit louder, and our sound probably wasn't going to lend it self to where I want to go now," Nat said.

Watch Front Room to find out what Nat's new music is like when she performs two of her new tracks.

Go to Front Room or watch the video by clicking on the green play button.

To download the interview go to our Front Room download section

Go to the Front Room


Front Room Archive:

Watch This Fire Spread

Little Man Tate

Martin Archer

RepoMen

Screaming Mimi

Dead Like Harry

Front Room Official Soundtrack


If your band wants to be on Front Room, please email Rachael: Rachael.Clegg@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk