Natalie Imbruglia

Aussie singer on motherhood, being happy, discovering she’s vintage and why it’s OK to be difficult

It’s been a decade since your last album - where have you been?

I spent ten years trying to be normal, trying to overcome a divorce (from Daniel Johns of Aussie rockers Silverchair) and fix myself. It is quite refreshing to realise there was never anything wrong. And also to discover through age and wisdom that you can be a road-less-travelled person and that is really cool.

Have you rediscovered your mojo?

I think busting through all of that and coming out of it feeling like I am really comfortable with who I am… I am super happy. I am the most creative I have been in my life.

You are best known for your hit song Torn. How were the ’90s for you?

The ’90s were fantastic. What a great time for pop music. So I have such happy memories and I do think it seems to be trending at the moment. Long may the ’90s reign. A lot of good music came out of it. I can only relate to it personally. But it’s really wonderful to think what I lived through and the music that was around me at the time, or my music, that it might have an effect on younger generations. Does that mean I’m vintage?

You announced the birth of your son Max Valentine (born via sperm donor and IVF) in 2019. How did people react?

I received so much love and support after I released my statement and so many women reaching out to me saying: “Oh gosh, I feel more comfortable in trying to do that, I have wanted to do that but I didn’t.” I never intended to be that. I was actually trying to avoid further press intrusion by stating it and then, “Let me have my private life”. But there is a lot to be gained from this conversation being out there.

How has becoming a mum changed you?

It is hands down the best thing that has ever happened to me. The feeling of unconditional love is very hard to put into words, especially if it is something you have yearned for for a very long time. That can only benefit every other area of your life, be that song-writing or performing – just all of it. I am content and I feel very calm and very peaceful.

mum is, hands down, the best thing to happen to me

What advice do you have for young women coming up through the ranks?

Be who you are. You don’t want to wear that outfit? Don’t wear it. You should never succumb. I got called difficult because of that, but I’ll wear that. That’s fine.