By Colin 
After captivating audiences with Memory Girl, Natalie McCool returns with her most dynamic work to date. Released on 4th June, new single ‘I Fantasise’ signals the start of a vibrant chapter. Drenched in retro textures and sunlit nostalgia, it plays with memory, desire and the quiet ache of what could have been. Behind the shimmering pop hooks lies a deeply personal reinvention, shaped entirely by Natalie herself as producer, mixer and creative lead.
We caught up with Natalie to talk about this exciting new era, her collaboration with Ellysse Mason, and how taking full creative control has influenced both the sound and emotion of her latest work. From studio to stage, ‘I Fantasise’ is more than a stylistic shift. It is a statement of independence and self-discovery.
Reinventing the sound
‘I Fantasise’ marks the beginning of a bold new era for you. What sparked this creative shift from the sounds of Memory Girl to the vibrant, nostalgic pop energy of your new single?
I think just new life chapters, and also the idea of what I haven’t said yet in my songs. I’ve been thinking much more about the songwriting craft and I have also been on a pretty huge production journey. I’m proud to say I’ve recorded, produced and mixed most of the new songs myself, including ‘I Fantasise’. It feels amazing to translate what’s in your head straight into something real without needing a third party.
You’ve said that tracks like ‘Summer of ’69’ and ‘The Boys of Summer’ helped inspire ‘I Fantasise’. What drew you to those songs, and how did they shape your approach?
Again, it’s the idea of the songwriting craft and the concept of the song as king. I’ve been thinking more about the mechanics and mood of these hugely successful pop songs, which are totally era-defining. There’s a particular mood in the melodies and soundprint of those tracks that draws people in, including me, and I wanted to create something with that same kind of magic.
This is the first time you’ve featured another vocalist. How did your collaboration with Ellysse Mason come about, and what did her voice bring to the track?
The challenge I set myself for this new material was to open my world up to collaborations. When I was thinking about who would be right for ‘I Fantasise’, Ellysse’s voice and style just felt so perfect for the mood and for the section she sings. The bridge is a chance to offer the listener something different—new harmony, new lyrics, a contrasting feeling.
I know Ellysse from the Northern music scene, so I asked her to sing the bridge and really amplify that shift in energy. Her voice sounds so perfect there, and we end up duetting right through to the end, which I love.
Memory Girl was shaped in part by your fans’ experiences. How has your relationship with your audience influenced the music you’re making now?
Memory Girl didn’t have a title track, so I decided to write one after the album came out, using memories that fans sent me—stories, photos, objects. One story really stood out about a fan who lost touch with his twin and later reconnected. It touched me deeply. One of the singles, ‘Take Me To Your Leader’, is all about belonging, and the video imagery leans into the twin theme. It felt like a natural continuation.
I love the song, and that fan actually came to see me on tour in Preston. Meeting him was so special. He loves the song, and that makes it all the more meaningful.
The title ‘I Fantasise’ feels playful but also emotionally rich. Does it reflect your mindset creatively right now?
A lot of my new material explores growing up and becoming who you are, whether in relationships or through self-discovery. ‘I Fantasise’ is based on a real person (though I’ll never say who!), so it’s somewhat true, with a few embellishments.
I actually played the song live recently while the person it’s about was in the room. It didn’t feel weird—once you release a song, it takes on a life of its own. People connect with it in their own way, and that process sort of frees you from the original experience.
You wrote, produced and mixed this single yourself. How has managing the full creative process shaped the sound of ‘I Fantasise’?
Yes, I’ve recorded, produced and mixed most of my forthcoming material, including this single. It feels brilliant to have that kind of control and ownership.
‘I Fantasise’ has so much of my personality in it. Maybe it wouldn’t be quite so cheeky if I had to go through the process with someone else. I made the track in the corner of my bedroom, and now it’s on Spotify. That’s pretty wild to me.
Your upcoming live shows include The Cavern and Kendal Calling. How are you translating this new era into your performances?
Me and my band have been working so hard on translating the songs live. I’m so excited to share them this summer. Thinking about the live versions is something I really care about. I get a bit nerdy with it, diving deep into how structures and dynamics can work best in a live setting.
I love creating moments that pop—something exciting, something different. It’s all part of expressing who I am and helping the audience understand that too.
The song is based on a recurring summer crush that never quite becomes something real. Will that theme of romantic nostalgia appear again in your upcoming material?
Actually, this song is a bit of a stand-alone in terms of being about romance. The new material is very diverse, but I’ve worked hard to keep a thematic thread running through. It’s more about self-exploration and coming of age.
‘I Fantasise’ fits that because it’s about the patterns we fall into, the way we respond to certain dynamics. Sometimes those things are a bit toxic, and it’s only through experience and growth that we begin to recognise them.
You’ve always had a strong visual identity. Can we expect a video for ‘I Fantasise’, and what direction did you take this time?
Yes, there will be a visual. We leaned into the mood of the track—hazy late summer days, a bit of smoulder, a bit of vibrance and excitement. It’s all about the narrator’s experience. And yes, Ellysse makes a cameo.
Memory Girl was very introspective. How does ‘I Fantasise’ set the tone for what comes next? Will there be a full project?
There will definitely be a bigger offering of material down the line. ‘I Fantasise’ sets the tone really well. As a song, it’s uninhibited, and that’s exactly how I’d describe what’s coming next.
‘I Fantasise’ is set for release on 4th June and it’s possibly our favourite single from Natalie so far. You can find out more including our full thoughts here.