The Steeple Times asks classical singer Natalie Coyle: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Passion. I’m driven and motivated by many things – the desire to succeed; live, love and laugh. I think it’s important to be passionate about everything you do.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
At school, my favourite book was The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. A phrase from that has always stuck with me – Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum (“Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down”). This always motivates me to persevere and push through any negativity – so often encountered in the music industry.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
People who have achieved a ‘celebrity’ status without any discernable talent.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My fun filled university days at Sheffield, living with my closest girlfriends.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I’ll let you know when I’m in a position to answer that! 😉
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
It sucks. And I don’t “own the bank”.
What word of phrase do you most loathe?
I’m always running late & I hate being told to “hurry up”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I believe it’s important to work with charities where you can contribute and make a personal difference. I have performed for The Prince’s Trust charity on numerous occasions and regularly perform to the patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I’m an iPhone addict – happy & proud to admit it. I also don’t drive so that’s not so much of a problem.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Friends, family… and Frank (Sinatra, that is).
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Steak and chips. Maybe a Daim bar for dessert.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
I didn’t know there was an unacceptable time.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
I’d love to say a vodka martini. But in reality, as a singer, it’s more likely to be tea.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My boyfriend, Zafar Rushdie, runs a PR company (Rushdie Media) and they throw a lot of really fun parties for some great brands. There’s always a really fun mixture of people… and they work with great caterers.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Zafar is irritatingly optimistic at times – although he labels it ‘optimistic realism’. My mother is also a very positive influence on me (if that counts).
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
The Mail Online website and eating M&M’s in bed.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I’m not really a fan of tattoos.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A “Dolly car” (Citroën 2CV). Some of my earliest memories were in one of these driving to school with my mum.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
People are always surprised to hear I’m a classical singer.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
My TV.
Natalie is a classically trained soprano who has sung with the likes of Susan Boyle, Il Divo, Blake, Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins.
View Natalie Coyle’s website at: http://www.nataliecoyle.com
Follow Natalie Coyle on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/coylenatalie