Natalie Del Carmen’s El Cortez is about gambling with her father at the El Cortez casino in Las Vegas. However, it’s about much more than that: it was inspired by the realisation that, even as an adult, she could still make entirely new memories with her parents. As we grow older, we relate to our parents in new and different ways, our key relationships continually evolving with time. She explains: “Writing ‘El Cortez’ made me feel like I was finally growing up and relating to my parents in a different way. I realised how much I’d already won in life.” There is a sense of joy in Natalie’s performance and in the fluent melodic currents. Over a wonderfully infectious shuffling rhythm, the instrumentation is busy and arranged brilliantly to create layers of uplifting musical spirit and restlessness.
Natalie’s words flow from her, an intimate stream of thoughts like a conversation in which she unloads from the heart: “So, I’m going in, I’m learning // To make pleasant with my problems // & I’m sorry for the attitude // & I’m sorry that I’m mean // When tomorrow doesn’t love me // Well, you said timing it means everything // And that I’m right on time for my life // I’m the tallest glass of water in town // I’m the richest woman ever // & I like how that’s sounding // Can’t believe I ever doubted // Anything I’ve ever gotten // So easy & so handed // To the brim, prayers and answers // & I’m the tallest glass of water in town.”
Natalie told AUK about the song and video: “I essentially wrote ‘El Cortez’ as a little reminder of the ways life can feel rich without money. That made this music video all the more important to me to capture that. It was shot by my two best friends since childhood, Leanne and Ava, and we’ve done a number of creative projects together. From LA to Vegas, we spent 20 total hours filming this video along the way. Shooting on Fremont Street was probably the coolest part and was hectic in all the best ways. Those shots are a nod to our favourite film ‘Anora’.”
The single is taken from Natalie’s roots-driven sophomore album, Pastures, which is out now. The songs are characterised by Natalie’s earnest storytelling from the heart. She explores self-imposed expectations and her newfound adulthood, facing changes and challenges with a restless intensity and authenticity, while viewing the paths we take through life from different perspectives. Recorded in just eight days, the album links Natalie’s urban roots with the sound of traditional folk and country. The result is vivid, energetic music that sparkles and lifts. Enjoy.
