Natalie Del Carmen has today released her new single titled ‘What Should’ve Been (By Now)’. Natalie is an artist that one finds interesting when taking in to account her collective music library. There is an organic growth, both as a songwriter and a musician. She’s as much of a poet as she is a recording artist. She also has that keen ear for detail and subtlety.
‘What Should’ve Been (By Now)’ is no exception. There is a lot more going on musically then you realize with that first listen. And to make music like that and not realize how much is there is where the true talent lies. You could say it resides in the hook or the chord progression, but the overall construction of the music puts everything in it’s place and gives it a purpose that highlights the words and voice of Natalie in all of their glory.
Check out our other features with Natalie Del Carmen HERE.
About ‘What Should’ve Been (By Now)’
‘What Should’ve Been (By Now)’ explores the acceptance of life’s decisions while being able to put the past behind you. Del Carmen’s soulful voice, paired with a rich blend of fiddle, harmonica, and pedal steel, creates a heartfelt sound that perfectly displays nostalgia with an added twang. The single, now available to stream on digital platforms worldwide, showcases Del Carmen’s unique ability to marry emotion with melody.
The lyrics of “What Should’ve Been (By Now)” tell the story of Natalie Del Carmen’s choices not taken, from jobs to relationships, and the alternate paths that her life could have taken. Yet, they also reveal a sense of acceptance and resilience, as Del Carmen sings, “I’d do my life, in hindsight, all the same / And I wouldn’t care an ounce about your say in it all.” The song beautifully balances the tension between the pull of the past and the peace found in the present, creating a relatable anthem for those who have ever wondered about the road not pursued. Reflecting on her inspiration for the song, Del Carmen reveals, “I think the nostalgia of ‘what could’ve been’ is comforting and distressing simultaneously because it puts into perspective where we have landed, but how far we have to keep running.” The song captures the emotions of finding peace in the present and leaving things that have already happened in the back of your mind. With Nashville’s own Stephen “Tebbs” Karney on pedal steel and production by Brunjo, the track offers a lush, full-bodied country-Americana sound that mirrors the depth of Del Carmen’s introspection.
A native of the Los Angeles valley, 23-year-old Natalie Del Carmen has quickly made her mark in the roots music world. After graduating from Berklee College of Music at just 20, she fully embraced the country-Americana genre, drawing from her experiences and weaving them into her songwriting. In 2024, Del Carmen continues to impress with a string of singles, including the critically acclaimed tracks “You Weren’t Even Listening” and “The Highway.” These songs have earned her praise from notable outlets such as Buzzbands LA and Americana UK. Del Carmen’s artistry has been further recognized in Authority Magazine’s “The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry” and Holler Country’s “10 Upcoming Country & Americana Artists” playlist.
About Natalie Del Carmen
Natalie Del Carmen, a 23-year-old musician, songwriter, and artist from the Los Angeles Valley, has found herself creatively wide-eyed and racing down a promising country backroad, far, far away from her metropolitan roots. Nesting in the country-americana space, Del Carmen graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA at the age of 20 and has since continued to immerse herself in the love of songwriting.
Her debut 11-track album, Bloodline (2023) delves into themes of family, friendships, fleeting love, and diligence. Working alongside Brunjo in the backwoods of Nashville, TN, the title track “Bloodline,” pays homage to her love of the Nashville terrain, and remains a heartfelt ode to cherished individuals who held her heart whole. Collaborating with Brunjo again for 3 tunes on her succeeding EP, Tandem Songs (2023) signals a shift in her musical direction toward a true and honest country soundscape. Billboard-Chart-Topping producer Zack Burke shines solo on the lead single “Achilles’ Dire End,” as well as “You Weren’t Even Listening”/”The Highway,” and Del Carmen co-produced “Love in Vain” with Wyoming native, friend and writer, Coburn Larsen.
Featured in Medium.com’s “The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry,” Holler Country’s “10 Upcoming Country & Americana Artists, Nov 2023,” and KCSN 88.5’s Top 24 in their “SoCal’s Next Big Sound” radio competition, Del Carmen has made significant strides as she enters the country music space. In 2024, she explores newfound ideas surrounding self-acceptance in “Good Morning From Magnolia,” a fiddle-fied proper and willing confession wrapped in the reverie of a sunrise. Natalie is currently working on her next project in LA, and dedicates many of her waking hours to mastering her new favorite instrument: her grandfather’s 1930s banjo.
LINKS:
https://nataliedelcarmen.com/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/natalie-del-carmen/1534096217
https://www.youtube.com/user/Natalbugs/videos
https://www.instagram.com/natalie.del.carmen/
https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliedelcarmen
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0TMQOD1S7h7Dr86QQWHdiG
