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ARIA-nominated Australian pianist/composer Nat Bartsch releases her album Forever Changed: a suite of neoclassical lullabies that explore the neurodivergent sensory experience of music.

Recorded at home with her 7yo son sleeping down the hall, the album celebrates Nat’s discovery of her autistic/ADHD identity in her late 30’s, and reflects upon the enormous changes that have occurred in her life since: divorce, new love and a new family.

Forever Changed is released on 15 November (AEST) on Nat’s own record label for ‘kind’ music, Amica Records. Two singles will be released digitally: Evolution, Resolution on 4 October, and New Kinds of Love on 25 October.

The album showcases a development of Nat’s inimitably lyrical, emotive sound and her increasing confidence as a producer alongside her partner and engineer Hadyn Buxton. Forever Change’s vast, ethereal sound-world is brought to life by upright piano, harp, strings, ambient electronics and synthesizers. The album will be released in atmos, and performed in live surround sound with video projections.

Nat is well known for creating meditative music at the intersection of several genres, with a community-minded focus. Her music supports many people through difficult or meaningful moments - such as early parenthood, mental and physical illness, grief, childbirth and death.

Nat defines a lullaby as “a soothing song that first began in a family environment, but that any person, young or old, can find solace within”. Forever Changed is a much anticipated follow up to Nat’s 2018 lullaby album Forever, and No Time At All. This album has had a substantial impact - receiving more than 10 million streamson Spotify, played by people from all walks of life on a daily basis. While her first lullabies were focussed on soothing babies and their parents, Forever Changed is focussed on reaching the neurodivergent community (as well as being music for all).

Nat’s discovery of her AuDHD traits led to a deeper understanding of her sensory experience of the world. She began to note her love of patterns, colours, glitter, movement in nature and more. Through her difficult life transitions, Nat also noticed some unexpected sensory needs in music:

“When everything changed, so did my listening habits. Instead of turning to ‘meditative’ music in difficult times, I was drawn to a sensory-seeking wall of sound: artists like At the Drive In, Tears for Fears, Cornelius, Jon Hopkins and Floating Points. Consulting with other AuDHD people, and music therapists, I realised that I am not alone. Many neurodivergent people seem to find complex, detailed or dramatic music soothing. High pitched melodies, interlocking patterns, grounding rhythms. Richly layered, textured and varied sound.

Forever Changed is immersive music you can soak in, that explores these sensory needs. The music has same gentleness and repetition as Forever, and No Time At All: but there is glitter and detail on top. Some pieces are solo piano lullabies for the corner of a room; others are multi-layered, ethereal works that create a room for the listener to step into”.

The album will be released on all streaming platforms, CD and vinyl, and premiered live at Melbourne Recital Centre on 16 November as part of Nat’s 2024 Artist in Residence. The launch includes Relaxed performances to support the neurodivergent and disabled audiences. Subsidised tickets are available through the Share the Music program.

www.natbartsch.com

www.amicarecords.com

Nat Bartsch is a twice ARIA-nominated Australian pianist and composer who creates lyrical, ethereal work that explores the space between neoclassical, chamber music and jazz genres.