After making waves under his original moniker, Natelle returns with a bold new identity: Side Hustle.
Armed with a fresh sound rooted in alternative indie rock and shaped by icons from Nirvana to Beabadoobee, he’s channeling raw emotion and grunge-laced energy into a new chapter. Backed by MN2S, Side Hustle is set to make some serious noise with debut single “Heartbreak” and upcoming EP Polaroid Notes. We caught up with the self-taught multi-instrumentalist ahead of his launch show at The Hawley Arms in Camden to talk reinvention, inspiration, and DIY creativity.
Tell us about the new Side Hustle project? Why did you decide to rebrand?
I finally found the sound and genre I was looking for and starting from scratch felt like the right thing to do. It took me a while to find a name. I was writing a music industry presentation, and with all the research I was doing I noticed that, no matter where I would end up in my career I would always have a side hustle. The name got stuck in my head and after a few days I decided to call my new project Side Hustle.
How would you describe the musical style for the new project? What are your influences?
Definitely Alternative indie rock. It’s a great genre with incredible artists. I would love to be a part of that scene. The Beatles constantly influence me, but also bands like Nirvana are a big part of my musical journey. I’m also influenced by modern artists such as Beabadoobee and Billie Eilish. They rock hard!!
Tell us about the event on the 13th June?
On the 13th of June we are celebrating the release of Heartbreak. My first single off of my EP Polaroid Notes. I’ll be playing a show at The Hawley Arms in Camden with my new band. And also, since it’s a party, we are going to be jamming with other musicians from the London underground scene by playing classics. It’s going to be a great night!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of entering the music industry?
If music is all you live for then do it! You only live once!
What are your plans for the rest of the year and beyond?
I will be releasing Polaroid Notes, my first EP, on the 4th of September and after that I will be releasing my 2nd EP Blue. I’m also currently planning my first album: Hopelessly Nostalgic. I want to release as much music as possible and play many shows!
What have you enjoyed about working with MN2S?
It’s a great team of people, and they really helped me to understand the ways of the music industry. They are always there to support indie artists that need help navigating the music business.