Natasha & The PSS 20

Meet Natasha Pinto.

A few years ago, a close friend of ours named Gary Pinto – someone I believe to have the greatest voice in the history of Australian music, introduced Kevin and I to this stunning Perth born singer. I guess you could say that it was a match made in heaven when Natasha and Gary announced their engagement, and it’s safe to say that I’ve never met a couple this devoted to spreading love and positivity.

When it comes to music, this girl means business. Natasha has toured with some of the biggest soul/pop names in the world including Boyz II Men, Kci and Jojo and P!NK and has recently returned from NYC after completing a 5 track EP with legendary hitmaker, Rob Fusari, (the talented producer behind Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Britney, Whitney Houston).

Natasha’s previous release, the debut EP ‘Sending Out a Message’, received critical acclaim, with Australian music authority and Sydney Morning Herald’s music reporter Jeff Apter publishing his review: “with echoes of Angie Stone and Jill Scott… her debut EP comes on like sweet soul music from another time and place.”

Natasha is one of those people that lights up a room when she walks in. But for those of us who have ever heard her sing would testify that this girl is all heart, talent and joy! When Natasha isn’t performing at one of her regular gigs, you’ll more than likely find her working hard in her day job as a celebrity makeup artist and fashion journalist, servicing some of the nations biggest names in music, fashion and entertainment.

Natasha is on a mission and is working hard to establish something called the New Renaissance - a movement from darkness to light. With nothing but her voice and musical talent, Natasha is working to remedy some of the thoughtless music that’s being released on the daily.

So between International airports, backstage green rooms and recording studios in New York City, it’s safe to say that this girl has the world at her feet, making her the perfect artist to profile here on PSS. After getting to know Natasha and discovering how much we have in common, I asked her if she’d be keen to take the PSS 20 and give our readers a glimpse into her incredibly wonderful life.

Natasha & The PSS 20

Guilty foodie pleasure Chocolate… Cadbury Dairy Milk to be specific. And right now, it’s Cadbury Dairy Milk Easter Eggs! All time favourite city It’s a toss up between New York City, and Tiberius in Israel. Spending every morning waking up to the Sea of Galilee is pretty amazing.

Best meal you ever had abroad This one is so difficult because I love food too much so everything is good! But – it would have to be the food at Salumeria Rosi in New York City.

Worst meal you ever had abroad The Japanese that I had in New York City that put me in hospital. It was the first day we got to New York; we walked in to a random Japanese restaurant. I thought the food tasted a little bit funny, but I didn't think it was bad enough to hospitalise me.

Your fondest foodie memory is There’s a restaurant above the Crown Metropol called Mr. Hive, and they’re known for their incredible desserts that change weekly. It’s the only place in Melbourne that I know of that offers a full dessert degustation. I loved it so much that I asked the manager if they ever had live music there… now it’s my regular bi-monthly gig! Don't get me wrong, I love singing there, but 50% of the reason of why I love it so much is the dessert!

Favourite local coffee house Baba Brother Budan on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne. The place has chairs hanging from the roof so you just can’t miss it. The coffee is consistently amazing… it’s liquid joy!

The best advice you ever received Don’t save the best for last, because you might be too full by the time you get to it.

Theme parks or wildlife parks? Wildlife parks! There used to be this chimp at the Perth Zoo, and I swear, he used to run to the glass and put his forehead up against the wall where I stood looking at him, and he didn't do it for anyone else! (Well, maybe he did, but I felt like I was his one true love.)

Your plane is taking off; you’re on your way to a month long vacation. What are you listening to? Emeli Sande’s album.

The three gadgets you can’t travel without 1. iPhone 2. My hairdryer 3. My makeup case (with all the contents inside of course)…does that count?

What do you miss the most while you’re away? Easily, my nephews and nieces.

Your most luxurious travel experience so far… So at the airport while Gary and I were on our way back home from Spain, the airline staff scanned both mine and Gary’s boarding passes and asked us to step aside. Everyone boarded ahead of us. The Emirates staff then told us that we had been upgraded to first class. I was so excited I didn't sleep for the entire flight!

What do you wish you could take with you on the road? I wish I could take my mum everywhere.

Your Airline of choice Qantas.

The most underrated city in the world Jerusalem in Israel. It’s one of those places where you can just feel the history.

Best thing you ever purchased while traveling is This scarf from Superdry in New York City. It was snowing and icy cold and I loved that could wrap myself up in meters of this woolen scarf. I wrapped myself up so tightly that my vision was impaired. I stacked it pretty badly and tore my way through 2 pairs of pants (yes, it was that cold, I was in fact, wearing 2 pairs of pants.)

You finally have a day off, what are the first three things you do to unwind? 1. Take a longer than normal hot shower 2. Play some good music 3. Flick through some magazines

The perfect weekend away includes... Sunshine… the perfect weekend away isn’t perfect without hours in the sunshine.

Your dream destination I’d love to go to France and spend some time travelling around. There are so many places I’d love to experience. I’ve heard amazing things about the soul music scene. Top it off with good macarons- and that's why it’s my dream destination. Good food + good music = bliss

Your next trip is… A cruise to the South Pacific with P&O Cruises