NATIIVE x KTJ & CARLY
Artist/producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist NATIIVE releases new single “Holding On” in collaboration with LA-based duo KTJ & CARLY.
Fusing pop, r&b and electronic, the single is inspired by old relationships that creep back into our lives.
NATIIVE has remixed tracks for Ella Vos, ZØYA and has collaborated with numerous artists such as Cailee Rae, Gloria Kim, FINLAY, Julia Thompson, Devin Kennedy and more. With millions of streams on Spotify and Youtube combined, NATIIVE is continuing to reach crowds around the world.
KTJ & CARLY have been developing a wide audience across the US and beyond since the release of their debut single “Moonlight” and have sold out shows in iconic venues in Los Angeles. Their latest single “Almost True” was released earlier this year.
“Holding On” is now available worldwide.
Hi guys. You’ve just released your single "Holding On". How does it feel like to release this song together?
KTJ & CARLY: We’ve both been SO excited for this release. This is our first time on another artist's track, and writing this song was such a blast. It also feels different from anything we have ever done before — in a good way!
What's the story behind "Holding On"?
KTJ & CARLY: Holding on is inspired by old relationships that creep back into our lives. When a significant other screws us over and then the relationship ends, they don’t realize what they had until they have lost it. The beginning starts by referring to the past, but as the song progresses it shows how we move on and the one who initially treated us horribly, slowly begins to miss us. They want us back, but we have put our foot down and have told them to stop holding on, because we remember how we were treated and had to go through the heartbreak.
Could you describe the songwriting/recording process? When did you start working on it?
NATIIVE: It came together really quickly back in November. The initial idea for the track was something I had come up with like 30-45 minutes before our session. When the girls showed up at the studio, I played a few demos and then decided to open up that session. As soon as I played it we just started vibing on it. I started laying out some melody ideas and then we pieced those together along with the lyrical ideas that we had come up with. I produced a lot of it as we were writing the song in a span of about 4-5 hours. We recorded almost all of the vocals that day. I was really hyped on it when I got home and stayed up till about 2am finishing the production that you hear on the track now.
KTJ & CARLY: We started off by going through different production tracks he had started. When we heard the beginning of the track for Holding On we were immediately drawn to it. He added brass and more bells and whistles onto the production after writing and recording some vocals, and we all brainstormed ideas to bring it all together. We began to write a little and then we decided to go along the topic of Holding On. We finished the demo of the song after a few hours. He worked on the production, then a week later we came back in to recut some vocals here and there.
Production wise, what was the inspiration?
NATIIVE: I’ve been listening to a lot of urban and alt-pop stuff lately. I think you can hear a lot of inspiration from those genres in this track.
Any favorite lyric from this record?
KTJ & CARLY: I’d say our favorite lyrics are “But you, ignored it yeah I was your doormat.” or “Don’t beg like that.” That first one is very meaningful and relatable, feeling like a doormat is the WORST, and happens a lot in toxic relationships. The second one was just always really fun and catchy to sing.
How was it like to collaborate with each other?
NATIIVE: It was really dope. Katie and Carly bring so much dynamic and range to the table that it made the process flow effortlessly. It’s rare for things to come together so quickly like it did with this song. But I think when you’re able to work with talented open-minded people that you vibe with, you can really be creative, try out new ideas, and walk away with something that you’re proud of.
KTJ & CARLY: It was so great! Natiive was so open, easy going, and he is so talented. We will definitely be working with him again in the future!
What do you like the most about this single?
NATIIVE: I really love how the vocal performances fit with the darker vibe of the track. I think it all mended together really well.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
NATIIVE: Honestly not a lot haha. It was a concept that I thought looked dope. I come up with a lot of different artwork concepts separately and kind of stockpile them on my computer. Once I’m done with a track, I’ll dig through those ideas and find the artwork that I feel fits best with the vibe of the song and my brand.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song?
NATIIVE: A sense of power over whatever situation you’re dealing with that you know you need to let go of. Whether that be a relationship or something else.
KTJ & CARLY: We want people to feel empowered. We want them to not feel like the sad doormat anymore, but the person who’s overcome that and faced their past in a way that has made them stronger to turn away the toxic people in their past.
What are your thoughts on today’s current global situation? How are you holding up?
NATIIVE: Idk man. It’s been crazy for sure. I’m doing good other than being cooped up inside for weeks. It’s all happened so quickly though. I think I’m still trying to process it. The music industry as a whole has taken a pretty massive hit. I’m hopeful we’ll come though stronger once it’s all over though. Everyone’s been stuck inside just creating for weeks. Being able to slow down and focus on new stuff has been a nice silver lining.
KTJ & CARLY: We are both having a hard time with it of course. As is everyone else. Staying inside on orders can’t be easy, and getting sick is very scary. The biggest thing we need to take away from this is that love is what will save us, and fear will be the thing that will kill us all not COVID-19. If we are so scared and fearful that this will ruin everything, then it will. But if we stop being afraid and let love take over and take care of ourselves instead, then we can come through this stronger. We are holding up alright. It’s hard, like I said. We can’t do any live shows or go to the studio. But we are in this with everyone else too. Just doing what we can and trying to come out strong. Staying positive and safe!
What message do you want to give to the world right now?
NATIIVE: Please stop panic-buying all of the toilet paper… go stream all of the new music that your favorite artists have been dropping instead lol
KTJ & CARLY: Just make sure we are spreading positivity and love right now. Of course, it’s important, VERY important, that we stay inside and social distance ourselves. But with music, social media, and love we can come together in a different way than before and that will make us come out stronger than ever. Love you guys, stay strong.
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