A lavish reflection on the emotional toll a dual identity can take on your wellbeing, Liverpool-based American born artist Natalie and the Monarchy has shared her latest single ‘Envy the Villain’. Inspired by her own experiences as a professional dominatrix, the track is a “dark cabaret” of Natalie’s thoughts about her own struggles, with a riot grrrl, grunge-infused twist.
“The song’s title is referring to the self-destructive behaviour I experienced when taking on the role of ‘Mistress Veronica’ as a professional dominatrix,” Natalie explains. “It’s about wanting to be that confident and intimidating character 24/7 and the identity struggle that a lot of sex-workers have between the fantasy and the real world.” Marking her first release since her 2019 EP Pretty little Flower, ‘Envy the Villain’ is a playful dissection of the self, as well as a personal take on what it means to conceal, or reveal your true identity in a world that tries to “other” the experiences of women and of female sex workers.
The track is accompanied by a video, shot and edited by Jenn Cliff-Wilcocks and Richard Garland, which shows Natalie contrasting her “weaker, submissive” side against the devilish flair of Mistress Veronica, who is personified as a devil in latex leisurely eating cake.
Watch the video for ‘Envy The Villain’ below.
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Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut
Get In Her Ears 
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