Words Jamila Douhaibi
Photos Sarah Hartley Photography
They say opposites attract. That also might be true for the different parts of ourselves that are passionate about seemingly contradictory professions and lifestyles. Natalie Foley, local singer and guitarist, is also a retired lawyer. She went from the fast-paced constant work life to playing in a slower, high-energy band called The Haven.
Natalie is originally from Vancouver but has been on the island(s) for 25 years. She moved to Sidney first for the “small town vibe” and to sail, and then bought a 50-acre farm on Salt Spring Island, meaning Natalie had to commute to Victoria for work as a lawyer. She says it was worth it because she had a “retreat from corporate work,” as well as a giant “dog park” for seven dogs.
After retiring five years ago, Natalie moved back to the Island, first living in Saanich and then full circle back to Sidney. Natalie says “I remember driving down the Pat Bay Highway with farms on both sides” when she first moved here, and says if the weather was warmer, the Island would be completely overrun. For her, this has always been home.
Natalie didn’t really start as a musician until two-and-a-half years ago when she joined The Haven band. She says that being a lawyer, and then becoming a partner and managing the firm, had been “all consuming.” But after recovering from her round-the-clock job when she retired, where she says “I felt like I just slept” for two years, her “inner performer” came out. Natalie remembers listening to her father play guitar when she was younger, which influenced her music. As a child her grandfather, who was both a concert pianist and radiologist, taught Natalie how to play piano by ear. She says that during these “impressionable years there was a significant influence from him,” and that any passion, if strong enough, won’t go away until it’s expressed.
There are no regrets from her life as a lawyer, but Natalie accomplished everything in that arena, and was grateful to be able to retire early. As a musician, she says that she’s interested in honing her craft and has a vocal coach in New York. The band currently has five players: Natalie Foley, lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Peter Bacsalmasi, lead guitarist and music director; Don Carscadden on bass; Keith Bjorndahl on drums and percussion; and Matt Bullock, guitarist and newest band member. They all take their passion seriously. Natalie believes her different careers balance each other and that “anything we do is transferable.” Both jobs require excellent writing skills and Natalie says that “all the writing that I’ve done helps me with writing lyrics.” The words she writes now convey quite a different meaning though, with lyrics full of emotions and far less transactional.
The Haven just released their first album called Red & Blue this past holiday, named after bassist Don’s Lil Red truck and blue Corvette. Creating a vinyl record was a big process, both for the band and Wrecking Crew Studios, because the album was also their first. Natalie says that they’re so pleased with how it turned out that they’d be happy if a handful of people listened to it, but that they’re also proud of the process and end result, and they plan to share it with the world. Band members Natalie and Peter co-wrote all of the songs.
They play everything from the 60s to current-day covers that get people dancing. Apart from their diverse set lists, Natalie says that they’ll “never be just a tribute band.” Always evolving their sound, adding new music and writing original songs, the band rehearses twice a week and has great chemistry. This year the band already has 30 gigs booked, from smaller venues and private gigs to the Beacon Bandshell, Mary Winspear Centre and Torque Masters. Wherever they play, Natalie says she loves every aspect, from practising to performing. Whether getting ready for court, or connecting with people on stage, Natalie has always put everything into what she does and is immersed in enjoying the journey.
www.thehavenmusic.com
