Mckenna Grace Shares the Inspiration Behind Her Uplifting ‘Platonic Love Song,’ ‘Natalie’
17-year-old star Mckenna Grace is the definition of a multi-hyphenate, and 2024 is already proving to be a hallmark year for her career.
In March, we get to see her return to the screen as Phoebe Spengler in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and she's already blessed us with her first single of the year in the form of her soothing indie-pop anthem, "Natalie." It's a unique song about the unbreakable power of friendship and the strength of platonic love, lifting up and celebrating the women we wish we could be more like, rather than letting ourselves ruminate in jealousy. We were enchanted from the first listen, and we had the chance to catch up with Mckenna and find out all about the song, in her own words, in the interview below.
The Story Behind 'Natalie'
Mckenna Grace: This is my first song I'm releasing of the year. I release a lot of sad music and I wanted to start 2024 off on a positive note. I find myself very often falling into comparison. There are so many talented beautiful girls out there to compare ourselves to—how could I not? That doesn't have to be a negative thing, though! I was with a friend who is so beautiful, so charismatic, who just seems so perfect sometimes, and I found myself wishing I was more like her. I went into the studio the next day and almost fell into a place of sad, negative comparison, but instead, I was like, what am I doing? I'm sitting here gushing about how perfect she is. I should just write a love song! So I did, haha! As women, but also just as people, we should be building each other up, not tearing each other down. I love my girl friends! They're so beautiful! They make me want to improve myself when I see how cool they are, and I wanted to express that in song.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Actress and Singer-Songwriter Mckenna Grace
What 'Natalie' Means
MG: It's a love song for my friend I admire so much. I hope to spread some positivity and love with it:) Some good friend appreciation and lots of love.
Mckenna's Favorite Lyric
MG: "Natalie, you move as natural as the breeze." Have you ever been around someone who just seems to float around a room, bringing their light and energy with them as they go? That's what I'm talking about here. I just like thinking about my friend and the visual of that.
(via Photo Finish Records)
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On Inspiration and Friendship
MG: Well, as I mentioned earlier, this song is based and written about a girl friend of mine. I went to a party with her, and all I could think about was how cool, confident and beautiful she was. Luckily, I had a session the next day I could express all my feelings in. Listening to the song now, it just makes me think about her, and all my girl friends I love. I think platonic love songs should be written more often.
What Else to Look Out for in 2024
MG: A lot of music! I have so many songs I'm ready and so excited to release. March 22, I have Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire coming out, and then I have a lot of projects I'm working on in production. My dad and I write scripts together, so we're hoping to work on pitching and getting those made as well this year! I'm really excited to see what 2024 brings.
For even more from Mckenna, click HERE to read our interview with her on her single, "Casual Kisser."