Ultra Naté, a powerhouse in the realm of dance music, stands as a dynamic force whose electrifying presence and unparalleled vocal prowess have left an indelible mark on the global music scene. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Ultra Naté emerged as a vibrant figure in the early 1990s, captivating audiences with her distinctive blend of soulful house, dance-pop, and R&B.
With an impressive career spanning decades, she has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and timeless anthems that not only dominate the dance floors but also resonate with a diverse and devoted fan base. Beyond her musical achievements, Ultra Naté is celebrated for her unwavering advocacy of LGBTQIA+ rights and her unapologetic commitment to authenticity, making her a revered icon in both the music industry and the broader cultural landscape.
Off the back of her latest invigorating single “UNBREAKABLE” which recently dropped its empowering music video, we caught up with Ultra Naté to talk through the new release, her journey to date and what the future holds.
Hi Ultra Naté, thanks for speaking to us! Reflecting on your illustrious career in the music industry, how do you feel your sound and style have evolved over the years, and what inspires your musical journey today?
ULTRA: I think my style and sound have moved with the culture when it comes to writing and production. It’s important to be in tune with what’s happening around you. I’ve always worked to find the balance between the lane I’ve created for myself, and the greater music landscape navigating between worlds as a veteran yet modern-day dance artist in a seamless way.
As an artist who has successfully navigated various genres, from dance and house to soul and R&B, how do you approach the creative process when experimenting with different musical styles?
ULTRA: The most important trick is to not give it so much weight, and to just be inspired by what you’re creating! The more you think about it, the more you scare yourself out of experimenting and pushing the envelope. I feel like the goal is always to work on music I love, and not worry so much about where it fits in the big scheme of things. The great thing about the dance music genre, is it lends itself to so many different vibes. If you approach it unapologetically, your audience meets you in that place.
Your latest single “UNBREAKABLE” is a joyous, uplifting song with the recently released music video perfectly complementing this and translating the empowering audio on screen. What was your inspiration behind the record and accompanying video?
ULTRA : I was mostly inspired by the need to add something to the Deluxe release of my “ULTRA” album that would empower and inspire other people. Something that would speak to this very difficult moment we are all in, especially marginalized communities – specifically the LGBTQIA+ community. They have always been strong supporters and have given me so much love throughout the years,
It’s a love letter to those who feel persecuted and rejected. If you halfway pay attention to the news, you see the massive uptick in physical, legal and emotional attacks on the community. It really makes me sad and angry, but we have to have each other’s backs.
The “UNBREAKABLE” video inspiration was built on the story of spirituality, tied to inner strength, a sense of purpose and determination. The narrative of the video expresses my own roots in the inner city, but more broadly as a beacon of hope through one’s personal relationship with a higher being.
The music video incorporates specific iconography and symbolism. Could you tell us more about the significance of elements like the attire, juxtaposition of the grand and storefront churches, and the choir as urban angels?
ULTRA : The messaging is multi-layered, we have these opulent, idealistic symbols people have built their complete identities around, and yet they can also wield them as weapons.
Spirituality can sustain and fortify, or tear you down if used to persecute. Whether it’s the grand church with its stained glass windows, or the corner storefront in the hood with an understated cross on the door – are we leading with love? I wanted to convey that it doesn’t matter, these are ‘just symbols’ . It’s not about “the things” and all the rituals.
The same for the choir – who go from the big church, with robes, elevated balcony positions, pomp and circumstance – to urban angels in streetwear, jewellery etc. It’s all still beautiful.
I grew up in “little black church“ culture, which is why I chose the hat as an iconic symbol. I wanted a costume piece that was going to make a bold statement. One of my best friends, Adrian Dana, is a milliner who specializes in making church hats. When he brought that iconic hat to the photo shoot for the album, it was instant love and begged to be featured! The rest of my ”UNBREAKABLE” video styling was kept simplistic to not get in the way of the narrative, but still with a bit of edge and glam.
The black church is still a significant part of who I am. It taught me from an early age to have faith in things that I cannot see. I’m sure it’s the only way I could’ve navigated this industry with its ups and downs all these years. With “UNBREAKABLE” I wanted those who feel alone, different, wounded, and broken, to have that same faith in things they cannot see and to mostly know – they are loved.
The new single has gained widespread recognition including significant radio success, with support from national giants like SiriusXM, GAYDIO, and BBC Radio 2. How do you approach the promotional aspect of a release in today’s digital age, and how has this strategy changed throughout your career?
ULTRA : It really depends on the release, but for this ULTRA album and its subsequent singles, we worked with our UK publicist and DJ promo teams. You can have a great project, but if no one knows it exists, then you’re pretty dead in the water!
I also did a lot more visuals with video content for this album than I’ve done in a very long time. It’s a big investment and I am an independent artist but, I felt it was important for people to get the fullest expression I could possibly create for this 10th album project. Other than that, there is the standard stuff like remix packages, touring internationally and utilizing social media to the fullest. It still feels like herding cats. Sometimes the digital age is a blessing and a curse in many respects. If nothing else, you’re always learning what’s new, now and next!
As an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, “UNBREAKABLE” is a perfect example of how your work has not only entertained but also empowered and inspired. How do you see the role of music in promoting social change, and what advice do you have for artists who want to use their platform to make a positive impact?
ULTRA : It’s a personal choice. Everyone has their way of how they want to express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. All art is subjective, That’s the whole point. How far you want to go with it is really up to the individual. There can be a lot of expectation to use your platform in one way or the other. There’s also a lot of toxic behavior and interactions on social media that sometimes may be tolerable.
Sometimes it’s like the wild west and there are a lot of people out there with no filter. At the end of the day, you still have to protect your peace while presenting your thoughts and feelings on any given situation. It is a very vulnerable position to be in, to be an artist. It takes a lot of self care and courage…
In addition to your achievements as a singer, you’ve also made notable contributions as a songwriter and producer. How do you balance these different roles, and what challenges and rewards do each bring?
ULTRA : I don’t really think about it in terms of balance, I think of each individual project/song as a unique entity coming to life. How this work comes to life is its own story. Whatever that necessity looks like, I step into the spaces to create. The only challenge is believing you can do it again, but once you do, that is the reward.
To see something made from nothing become a piece of art that will live in the world, and potentially in the hearts and minds of many people around the world – even after you’re long gone – it’s a very powerful and overwhelming feeling.
Over the years, you’ve collaborated with a diverse range of artists. Are there any collaborations that stand out as particularly memorable or influential in shaping your musical identity?
ULTRA : I think I’ve taken something valuable away from just about every collaborative experience I’ve had. I’m really like a sponge that way. Especially early in my career when I was really learning through trial by fire. Being a part of a production team with The Basement Boys, when I first came out on Warner Bros. in 1989 was very influential because it gave me a safe space to learn my craft, and who I was as an artist.
Then I would also say, collaborating with Danny Madden taught me a lot about my own voice, and being comfortable with my particular style. Working with UK band D’Influence, was a great collaborative experience for learning more about the musicality of dance music, because they were a proper band. I got to write music that had more breadth and resonance. I could dig further with melodies and expand on arrangements.
There have been so many along the way, like working with icons like Nona Hendryx, Nellee Hooper and Lenny Kravitz. Just watching them in the studio as they created with the give and take of ideas was empowering. It really taught me to trust myself.
With a #1 podcast alongside Paris Hilton and a packed DJ tour diary, you’ve got no signs of slowing down. What exciting plans do you have in the pipeline for 2024?
ULTRA : There seem to be quite a few exciting things lining up for 2024, most I can’t divulge at the moment! A month from now I’d be able to give up all of the tea, but suffice it to say, there’s quite a few things in the pipeline. On the immediate front I am able to chat about, is the upcoming rework of one of my classic singles – “Party Girl (Gonna Do)” with UK production duo KIMMIC.
The title track from the original soundtrack of the movie “Party Girl” starring Parker Posey has been raved up for today’s dance floors. Originally released in 1995 on New York underground dance staple, King Street Records, our new version drops this month on Armada Music!
This Spring will see the release of “HAPPY FEELING” , my collaboration with Russell Small (Freemasons) and DNO P which will be dropping right on time for fun in the sun!
I have a full itinerary of live events performing and doing DJ sets throughout all of 2024. You can catch my guest DJ sets on RadioFG or SiriusXM and I also continue to curate my own hometown dance party “Deep Sugar” in various cities.
Finally, if you could curate a dream music festival lineup, featuring artists from any era or genre, who would be your top three headliners, and why?
ULTRA: Queen – because Queen!
Missy Elliott – I live for Missy! She is a genius and those beats, stage production and general black girl magic, would kill it!
B2B DJ Sets of Myself, Natasha Diggs and DJ Minx – because festival goers need all the love, and the beats, the three of us would unleash on them!!
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Download/stream her Ultra Deluxe album here
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