NATMAC: ‘It’s nice to find your tribe’

As pubs and clubs reopened following the pandemic, Cork’s electronic music scene experienced a significant surge, one that continues in 2024 thanks to pioneers like Cork’s very own NATMAC, aka Natalie McCormack.

With roots planted deep in Cork’s electronic scene, NATMAC is the founder both the Electronic Music Council and Underground Ovation, two Cork-based initiatives striving to promote the genre here on Leeside while helping individuals to kickstart their careers in the music industry.

This Sunday 21 July, NATMAC will perform at Joy In The Park 2024, an event that celebrates art and well-being while sparking conversation about mental health. This will be the third year running for the hugely successful event which had its first outing in 2022.

NATMAC will be performing as part of Big Up The Beours, a team of female DJs within Underground Ovation who promote inclusivity for women within the music industry.

Speaking ahead of this year’s Joy In The Park, NATMAC said music can play a crucial role in promoting positive mental health by offering emotional expression and fostering a sense of community.

“For myself, there is power in bringing people together and uplifting them in what can be harder times,” she said.

“Events like Joy In The Park utilise music's unique power to uplift and inspire, counteracting stress and isolation while encouraging open discussions about mental health.

“These events create supportive environments where people can share their experiences, form connections, and access therapeutic rituals for themselves, ultimately contributing to overall well-being and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues,” added NATMAC.

Music has had an immense impact on NATMAC’s life. She describes it as a “healer”, something that has helped her to navigate life’s ups and downs and forge lifelong and meaningful connections.

She said: “I was impacted quite positively early on in my life journey by music, my grandfather was always playing musical instruments, my parents were deeply into music and there was not a time where I did not have music playing in my life growing up.

“From being a reveller, music promoter to event creator and DJ, it’s been a progressive journey for me. Now, finding like-minded individuals to celebrate sounds or lift people through sounds is where my jam is at, at the moment,” she added.

Asked what it is about electronic music that made her fall in love with the genre, NATMAC said it can “hit different” and can be used to express any emotion such is its varied nature.

“There are so many fascinating stories behind each track, track selection, and artist,” she explained.

“It seamlessly connects to art and visuals, enhancing the overall sensory experience, it gets deep.

“The genre's ability to blend different sounds engages various parts of the mind and body, creating powerful emotional feels. This music helps me pinpoint and capture moments in time, reminding me of feelings and good memories. The integration of diverse elements within electronic music forms a unique, immersive environment that I find massively inspiring. Plus, the people, these are a big, massive part of why I fell in love. People are connected, it’s nice to find your tribe.”

When NATMAC first set out on her musical journey, her early goals didn’t include creating organisations like Electronic Music Council and Underground Ovation, but she definitely felt there were opportunities there to support and lift communities, which is very much a key makeup of why both of the initiatives were setup.

She said: “Sometimes in music it can feel like the wild west and it’s hard to find support.

“Underground Ovation was born from the need to support emerging talent. I could see it was hard for folks to get gigs and connect with like-minded people, so wanted to make space for the undiscovered.

“When support is lacking and you feel restricted in your creative outlets as an artist, it can be really hard. The pandemic limited physical connection and live expression. I could see the mental and emotional impact, so I called everyone I knew in Cork to come together to help navigate the difficult times.

“Big up the Beours is a workshop born out of my commitment to advocating for women in electronic music, especially since women have often been underrepresented in this field. This initiative began a couple of years ago when I partnered with Yasmin Gardezi and Hannah Falvey in my studio.

“The aim of the workshop is to provide a space for women to connect, learn new skills, and build a stronger community. Held around significant dates like International Women's Day, it celebrates and supports female talent in electronic music.”

NATMAC believes the electronic music scene in Cork has experienced significant evolution in Cork over the past five to ten years, balancing growth with respect for its nostalgic roots.

“From the foundations laid during the Sir Henry's days to today's vibrant pop-up spaces, it has been a remarkable journey. New sub-genres and communities have emerged, and there is a greater sense of community, showcasing the city's dynamic and diverse music culture.”

With only 28% of festival line-ups in the UK and Ireland featuring female and non-binary talent, NATMAC said “the needle is moving” when it comes to change.

She said: “There needs to be a continued effort from festival organisers, the music industry, and the wider community. This includes implementing gender quotas, providing platforms and opportunities for emerging female and non-binary artists, and fostering inclusive environments like the Big up the Beours workshop.

“I also think in addition, we need to see increased visibility and support for these artists in media and marketing campaigns so we can help shift public perception and encourage a more diverse and equitable representation in line-ups.”

Offering advice to the next generation of Cork’s electronic music scene, NATMAC said it’s important to immerse oneself in the scene and continuously hone one’s craft.

“Begin by exploring different music to find your unique sound. Network with other artists, attend events, and engage with the communities to build connections and gain inspiration. Be mindful of the pressures involved and find your support systems—whether it's friends, mentors, or online forums—to ensure you enjoy the experience and maintain your mental well-being. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks with your music.”

Joy In The Park takes place in Fitzgerald’s Park this Sunday from 12-6pm. Entry is free.

The Cork Independent are proud print partners. For more, visit joyinthepark.com.