Wilton teen heads to Nashville to be a star
Natalie Schlesinger, 17, is already an accomplished musician. The Wilton teen, who grew up around music, is now taking her singing talents to the songwriting capital of the world.
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A Connecticut girl is going country.
Natalie Schlesinger, 17, is already an accomplished musician. The Wilton teen, who grew up around music, is now taking her singing talents to the songwriting capital of the world.
But she says her songwriting sets her apart from the rest.
"I was very secretive about my songwriting and about my music until COVID happened, actually. I've been writing songs for years," says Schlesinger.
Schlesinger wrote her first song when she was 9 at sleepaway camp. She started singing when she was 3.
"That was where, you know, you could see like innately, she had music inside of her," says her father, Andy Schlesinger.
Her father has turned their Wilton home into a recording studio where he practices for his band, Captain Obvious. He says it was plain to see that Natalie has talent.
"In my heart, I think she has real ability and skills," says Andy Schlesinger.
Natalie says she taught herself guitar and writes songs that teens can relate to.
"A lot of heartbreak, but I also write about every other teenager's problems, like friends and self-esteem and body issues. It's kind of all over the place," says Natalie.
Natalie's songs have gained popularity on Spotify. Now, she is off to Nashville to study music at Belmont University.
"I just want to be the best possible songwriter and musician that I can be, and you know the only way to do that is to just learn from the best, and Nashville has the best," says Natalie.
"Maybe she'll be the next big one," says Andy Schlesinger.
Natalie says Taylor Swift has been her inspiration. Swift got her start in Nashville.
