Nato The Artist: ‘Some Painful and Happy Memories from the Past Inspire me to Make Music’

Neha Tomar, widely recognized as Nato The Artist, is a Mumbai-based singer and songwriter with talents that go beyond music. Also a skilled swimmer and athlete, she embodies versatility. Often dubbed the desi Taylor Swift, Tomar has gained popularity for her sound, blending Punjabi, Spanish, Arabic pop, and Sufi rock, making her a highly sought-after artist.

She’s currently touring the UK, performing for Voice and at the Indian High Commission’s Nehru Centre, where she’s a fan favorite. Fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, English, Spanish, and Tamil, Tomar uses her language skills to craft diverse music. With 1.1 million Instagram followers, her songs like “Maula,” “Haldi,” “Kudi Patakainto,” and “Reboot” have brought her widespread recognition. Her collaborations with artists like Kailash Kher, where she opened his live show in Mumbai, further highlight her growing international presence.

What inspired you to start making music, and how has your inspiration evolved over time?

I wanted to feel liberated. As a kid, I grew up watching Rihanna, Shakira, JLo, Beyoncé, Akon, Junoon band, Lucky Ali, Abida Parveen, Sunidhi Chauhan, Ilaiyaraaja… without realizing how deeply they’d influence me. I ended up choosing music over any fancy career options out there. I won a pageant, worked in the direction department as an associate, but nothing could stop me from pursuing music as the thing for me.

It’s a very internal process. Some painful and happy memories from the past inspire me to make music.

Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or something else?

I play a couple of instruments—guitar, keyboard, and rabab. Often, I find myself humming something and become obsessed with it. I start living with it.

At other times, I wake up with words and a song with a verse already in my head, and I just start working on it. I sit with myself, think about its instrumental universe, and build an arrangement around it. Then I take it to my programmer/producer, and we shape it up. Sometimes, I record it instantly and make it.

There’s no thumb rule. It usually happens after a painful experience or when I’m caught in a loop of nostalgia.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

No single name can truly answer that. To be completely honest, it’s not just one person, but life experiences. I grew up in an army family, traveled across the country, lost my father at a young age, studied overseas, returned, and traveled again. Meeting people from various cities and countries—these life experiences influence my music more than any artist or person.

Which of your songs or albums is your favorite, and why does it hold special significance for you?

I’ve released three albums between 2022 and 2024, comprising 33 tracks. It’s hard to pick just one.

But Bulla Kehnda is one of my favorites. It talks about love being cruel and yet the most desired emotion in humans. Love is pain, love is sacrifice, love is separation, and love is also what liberates. These emotions are reflected in the lyrics.

I love the innocence of this song.

Can you share a memorable collaboration experience and what you learned from it?

One of the most memorable collaborations was with a blind, differently abled artist whom I chose to play the violin for one of my songs, “Dard Hai.” He doesn’t wish to be named, but he played the violin for some sections of the song. “Dard Hai” revolves around the pain and irreparable damage a broken heart endures.

What has been the most defining moment of your career so far, and how did it impact you?

I believe I have yet to experience a defining moment in my career that could truly impact me.

What are your goals for the next few years? Are there any dream collaborations or projects you hope to pursue?

I want to express more of myself through my music and touch more hearts through pop and EDM fusion songs, where I love incorporating traditional, dying instruments from South Asia. I also have a wish list of artists I want to collaborate with. One of them is Ilaiyaraaja, and I hope to work with him soon.

How has touring influenced your music and connection with your fans?

Touring creates a very personal, one-on-one connection. It’s far more gratifying when you see the audience sing along with you. It’s emotional when they know the lyrics by heart and have their own personal connection to the songs. It humbles me. That connection feels bigger than any award or recognition.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about?

I’m excited to announce my UK Tour 2024, Aarambh, where I’ll be performing live in Manchester, London, and Birmingham. I’m also going to release another English single, “Won’t Look Back Now,” which talks about the journey from love to heartbreak and, finally, to self-love.

Please tell us more about your upcoming UK show.

I named my UK Tour 2024 Aarambh because it represents a beautiful beginning for me. I feel immense gratitude for being appreciated globally for my songs and work. I’ll be performing my originals and some world-pop music.

This tour has opened doors for many other opportunities. After the UK, I’ll head to the US for a few shows as well. This is all possible thanks to the power of the internet and social media, which have empowered independent artists like me.