forever changed
new album coming 15th of november
Nat Bartsch releases a long awaited follow up to her popular lullaby album Forever, and No Time At All. While this previous release was focussed on soothing parents and children, Forever Changed explores the neurodivergent sensory experience of music and reflects upon Nat’s own discovery of her AuDHD identity aged 38.
Recorded at home with her partner Hadyn and her 7yo son sleeping down the hall, the album celebrates Nat’s discovery of her autistic/ADHD identity in her late 30’s, and reflects upon the enormous changes that have occurred in her life since: divorce, new love and a new family. Forever Changed is released on 15 November on Nat’s own record label for ‘kind’ music, Amica Records.
The album showcases a development of Nat’s inimitably lyrical, emotive sound and her increasing confidence as a producer. Forever Changed’s vast, ethereal sound-world is brought to life by upright piano, harp, strings, ambient electronics and synthesizers. The album will be released in atmos, and performed in live surround sound with video projections.
Nat is well known for creating meditative music at the intersection of several genres, with a community-minded focus. Her music supports many people through difficult or meaningful moments - such as early parenthood, mental and physical illness, grief, childbirth and death.
Nat defines a lullaby as “a soothing song that first began in a family environment, but that any person, young or old, can find solace within”. Forever Changed is a much anticipated follow up to Nat’s 2018 lullaby album Forever, and No Time At All. This album has had a substantial impact - receiving more than 10 million streams on Spotify, played by people from all walks of life on a daily basis. While her first lullabies were focussed on soothing babies and their parents, Forever Changed is focussed on reaching the neurodivergent community (as well as being music for all).
The singles Evolution, Resolution and New Kinds of Love are pre-released digitally.
Nat’s discovery of her AuDHD traits led to a deeper understanding of her sensory experience of the world. She began to note her love of patterns, colours, glitter, movement in nature and more. Through her difficult life transitions, Nat also noticed some unexpected sensory needs in music:
“When everything changed, so did my listening habits. Instead of turning to ‘meditative’ music in difficult times, I was drawn to a sensory-seeking wall of sound: artists like At the Drive In, Tears for Fears, Cornelius, Jon Hopkins and Floating Points. Consulting with other AuDHD people, and music therapists, I realised that I am not alone. Many neurodivergent people seem to find complex, detailed or dramatic music soothing. High pitched melodies, interlocking patterns, grounding rhythms. Richly layered, textured and varied sound.
Forever Changed is immersive music you can soak in, that explores these sensory needs. The music has same gentleness and repetition as Forever, and No Time At All: but there is glitter and detail on top. Some pieces are solo piano lullabies for the corner of a room; others are multi-layered, ethereal works that create a room for the listener to step into”.
The album will be released on all streaming platforms, CD and vinyl on November 15th.
It is premiered at Melbourne Recital Centre on 16 November as part of Nat’s 2024 Artist in Residence. The launch includes Relaxed performances to support the neurodivergent and disabled audiences. Subsidised tickets are available through the Share the Music program.
Release credits
Nat Bartsch - piano, synth, ambient electronics
Mary Doumany - harp (tracks 2,5,6,8)
Lucy Warren - violin, viola (tracks 1,2,4,6,8,9)
Charlotte Jacke - cello (tracks 1,2,4,6,9)
Hadyn Buxton - ambient electronics, guitar (track 2)
With guest appearances by Will Hopkins and the birds of Montmorency
Recorded at Sylvan St Studios, April to August 2024
Produced by Nat Bartsch and Hadyn Buxton
Recording, mix and atmos engineering by Hadyn Buxton
Mastering by Lachlan Carrick
Artwork by Luci Everett
Cover photo by Kristoffer Paulsen
Hair and make up by Dana Levitson
All compositions by Nat Bartsch, except track 10 by Nat Bartsch and Will Hopkins (control).
Kindling II based on the 2nd movement of Kindling, commissioned and recorded by Grigoryan Brothers
Arrival is based on the 3rd movement of Under the Thinking Tree, commissioned and recorded by Muses Trio.