Natalie

Natalie Now A Song-Writer
2nd August, 2007

ROGUE Traders frontwoman Natalie Bassingthwaighte can now add "songwriter" to her extensive entertainment resume.

Bassingthwaighte, who was invited to join the dance pop outfit by founder James Ash for their second album Here Come The Drums, has co-written their new single Don't You Want To Feel.The Neighbours star, who has also shot her feature film debut this year in the local thriller Prey, said she was excited to be a fully fledged member of the band now rather than just its singer.

"I'm not a session singer, these songs have a piece of me in them now," she said on the set of the band's video shoot last week.

"I didn't even know if I could write this style of music, I'd never attempted it before."

"This album feels more exciting because it was more collaborative."

Ash said the new album did not have any samples and was reminiscent of Blondie's blend of rock and pop.

The seasoned musician said there was no end to Bassingthwaighte's talent.

"People have asked can she really write and I tell you she's amazing. She's co-written on six or seven of the album's tracks," he said.

Don't You Want To Feel hits the airwaves next week and is released in September.