When you think of game-changers in the drum and bass world, MC Tali is at the top of the list. Born Natalia Scott (aka Natalia Sheppard) in the rural backwoods of South Taranaki, New Zealand, this Kiwi phenom has been tearing up the scene with her groundbreaking tunes and unapologetic attitude.
Classically trained on the piano and blessed with vocal chops, she quickly shifted her focus to writing and composing her own tracks. Her obsession with rave culture during her uni days morphed into a love for drum and bass, setting her on the path to becoming a legend!
Tali's journey kicked off in a family that lived and breathed music, setting her on a path destined for greatness. With her talents sharpened, she made the gutsy move to the UK, and that's when things really started popping off.
In the UK, Tali caught the attention of Roni Size, a drum and bass legend, and signed with Full Cycle Records. Her debut album, "Lyric on My Lip" (2004), blew up, smashing the UK Singles Chart at #39. This success proved that Tali was a force to be reckoned with in a male-dominated industry.
Tali's discography is a wild ride that shows off her evolution and versatility as an artist. Each album she drops is a bomb, packed with her raw talent and fiery passion for drum and bass.
These are the albums she's unleashed so far:
"Lyric On My Lip LP (2004 Re-Release)" (2004): Born from a sleepless summer night in Melbourne, Tali poured her restless energy and dreams of London into this debut, blending lyrical genius with hard-hitting beats.
"Do It For Yourself" (2006): A gem that solidified her unique sound and fierce independence in the music world.
"Of Things To Come" (2012): An experimental leap showcasing Tali’s knack for innovation and boundary-pushing in her music.
"Wolves LP" (2015): A deep dive into emotional storytelling, this album is packed with powerful tracks and raw depth.
"Love & Migration" (2018): This comeback album snagged her the Tui for Best Electronica Artist at the 2019 NZ Music Awards.
"Future Dwellers" (2022): Mixed by Tiki Taane and mastered by Benny Tones, this self-produced masterpiece takes you on a sonic journey, blending atmosphere and tension with Tali’s classical finesse.
This latest album is a game-changer for Tali, marking a major leap in her sound and artistry.
Want the full scoop on why it's such a pivotal release? Check out this UKF interview >>>
Tali also knows how to make magic happen with other top artists. She’s teamed up with heavyweights like Shy FX and Truth, who featured with her and Rosadub on the track "Bone" from her album "Love & Migration." TREi also jumped in to remix her track "Forces", adding his signature touch to her sound.
You gotta hear it here:
Tali’s relentless drive and passion hit hard in every beat. Each album and collab adds another layer to her legacy, making her an unstoppable force in the DnB universe.
But Tali's talents don't stop at music…
In 2018, Tali expanded her creative horizons by releasing her first novel, "The Little White House", proving her versatility extends beyond music. As a mentor, she runs workshops for aspiring female MCs and lyricists, sharing her hard-earned wisdom and fiery passion.
Her journey from a small-town girl to a DnB icon is epic. Tali has faced countless situations where she was undervalued just for being a woman and an MC. She’s battled stereotypes, from those doubting her producer skills to people preferring male voices.
Despite the haters, times have changed. Diversity and equality are now the norm, with multiple females in lineups becoming standard. Tali's fearless drive has paved the way for future artists. As she evolves, her impact on the music world remains undeniable and everlasting.
Want to stay updated? Catch all the latest on Tali's projects here >>>
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