This A-Profiler we bring you singer, songwriter and Stanford grad, Natalise. Her current sophomore album release "I Came to Play" has garnered a lot of attention and she's even been featured Maxim and Blender magazines. So, what's in store for this San Francisco Bay Area songstress? Find out more below.

Your site URL:
www.natalisemusic.com

What is your ethnic background?
I am Chinese and Burmese

How did you get started in music? Has music always been a passion for you growing up?
Music has always been an integral part of my life. I started taking piano lessons when I was three, but I've been singing since I can remember. I have always loved to sing...I think it's a release for me.

You came on the scene as a dance music diva, but many people were surprised that you were more than just a one dimensional artist. What were some of the early problems you faced in marketing yourself in the music industry?
I think it's hard because as an Asian-American artist, people expected dance music from me because of the early AA artists like Jocelyn Enriquez and Buffy. So naturally, my label (at the time) decided that I should do dance music. At that point in my career, I just wanted ANY kind of opportunity to write music and sing. But after my first album, I was ready to break free from any sort of confinement in terms of genre or lyrical theme.

Your current album, "I Came to Play," is your second album already and you are only in your early 20's. That's quite a feat. What lessons did you learn from your first album that you used in making your second album?
With my first album, like I said, I was just wanting to sing and willing to compromise in terms of what I felt artistically. But with the second album, I was determined to make it more personal and uniquely me. I wasn't as scared to say and do what I wanted. I think as an artist it's important to be an "artist" and not just do or say things because it's tried and true. I wanted to grow and expand... and take risks - and that is what I tried to do with the second album.

One thing that I've heard surprises people about you is that you are a Stanford grad. I also understand that you made a deal with your parents that if you graduated in 3 years, you could pursue your music passion. Is that true? If so, how have your parents taken your success in the music industry so far? Are they still hoping you'll do something more "stable?"
Yes, well my parents didn't force me to graduate in three years or anything. That choice was personal - as a child of immigrant parents I felt it was the right thing to do...the least I could do, really. I wanted them to know that I appreciated that they worked so hard to get here so that I could "live a better life." But in terms of music, they have been so supportive...it's really amazing, and I truly appreciate their encouragement. I think my dad would love to see me go to business school one day, and it's something that I wouldn't mind doing as I strive to be entrepreneurial on a daily basis, but he understands that it's not the right time right now.

What is one of your guilty pleasures?
Chocolate...and BOBA! I love Green Milk Tea Boba.

What plans, if any, are there for a third album? Where do you foresee yourself in 3 years?
I'm actually in the studio right now recording for the next project. In the next three years, I'll be touring the country...on MTV...and I'll be singing my ass off. :)

What inspirations do you draw from in your music and daily life?
All of my music is based on personal experience really... real life emotion; there's nothing that can replace that.

Who is your ultimate role model?
I have three: My mom, Oprah Winfrey, and Angelina Jolie. :)

What advice do you have for aspiring artists out there?
Kick ass and kick it hard. Don't give up and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Nelson Wong. Special thanks to Natalise.

Images courtesy of Natalise. Used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder.