Natalia Przybysz (born September 1, 1983, in Warsaw, Poland), also known by the stage name Natu, is a prominent Polish singer and songwriter. She is recognized for her powerful vocals, soulful delivery, and eclectic musical style, which blends elements of soul, R&B, rock, blues, and funk. Przybysz gained initial fame as a member of the acclaimed Polish soul/R&B band Sistars, formed with her sister Paulina Przybysz, before embarking on a successful solo career.
Early Life and Career with Sistars Natalia Przybysz grew up in a musical family in Warsaw. In 2001, she co-founded the band Sistars with her sister Paulina Przybysz, which quickly rose to prominence in the Polish music scene. Sistars released two critically acclaimed albums, Siła sióstr (2003) and A.E.I.O.U. (2005), and became known for their innovative blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul with Polish lyrics. The band achieved significant commercial success and garnered numerous awards, including Fryderyk awards (the Polish music industry awards). Sistars went on hiatus in 2006, allowing its members to pursue solo projects.
Solo Career Following the hiatus of Sistars, Natalia Przybysz launched her solo career under the moniker Natu. Her debut solo album, Maupka Tryska (2008), showcased a more experimental and rock-influenced sound compared to Sistars' R&B roots. This was followed by Gram duszy (2009), which further explored her diverse musical interests.
In 2013, Przybysz released Kozmic Blues: W hołdzie Janis Joplin, a tribute album to the legendary American singer Janis Joplin. This project was a significant turning point, earning her widespread critical acclaim and demonstrating her remarkable ability to interpret classic rock and blues. Her subsequent albums, such as Prąd (2014) and Światło nocne (2017), continued to cement her reputation as one of Poland's most distinctive vocalists and songwriters. Prąd was particularly successful, earning her multiple Fryderyk awards.
Her album Jak malować ogień (2019) saw her delve further into blues and rock, while Zmieniaj mnie (2022) continued to explore personal themes with a mature and nuanced sound. Throughout her solo career, Przybysz has collaborated with various Polish artists and musicians, further enriching her musical output.
Musical Style and Influences Natalia Przybysz's music is characterized by her raw, powerful, and emotive voice. Her sound draws heavily from classic soul, blues, and rock, often infused with contemporary R&B and funk sensibilities. Lyrically, her songs frequently explore themes of love, personal struggles, social commentary, and self-discovery. She is often praised for her authentic stage presence and the depth of emotion she conveys in her performances. Her influences include iconic artists like Janis Joplin, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin, alongside contemporary soul and rock acts.
Awards and Recognition Throughout her career, Natalia Przybysz has received numerous awards and accolades. With Sistars, she won multiple Fryderyk awards. As a solo artist, she has continued this success, notably winning Fryderyk awards for Best Album (Rock) for Prąd (2015) and Best Artist (2015), among others, solidifying her status as a leading figure in Polish music.