Berklee Alumni Column #4: Natalie Dodge

Joely Cromack-Kluko

Starting Spring on a high note, I had the pleasure of speaking with modern-folk singer-songwriter Natalie Dodge. Natalie is a 2024 Berklee College of Music graduate who majored in songwriting and minored in recording and production. Her musical journey began in her hometown of Berkeley, California. Her first time singing for an audience, during elementary school, was an eye-opening moment that led her to take vocal lessons. Natalie then attended Oakland Middle School for the Arts, where she participated in choirs, a cappella groups, and musicals. This evident passion for singing—along with self-taught guitar skills—inspired her to begin her Berklee career as a writer and performer.

Natalie knew from the start of her Berklee program in 2020 that she wanted to pursue artistry. She completed seven semesters in Boston and one in Valencia, honing her craft through various opportunities and experiences. “The ability to network, to audition, to sing my songs for an audience, and to reach out to venues are all skills I learned through Berklee and use in my career,” she shared. In her words, she would not be the songwriter she is today without professors like Pat Pattison and Erin Chase, who taught her the nuances of songwriting and language. Natalie also spoke about how working with the Berklee Stage Crew Department helped her develop skills as a professional performer. She learned how to use a range of equipment, mix live sound, and set up shows in different types of venues.

Natalie feels that Berklee changed her view of what success looks like as a musician. Through witnessing her peers’ and professors’ experiences in the industry, she realized that “becoming famous” is not the only option. Mainstream media often highlights big-name artists with large followings, which can put pressure on musicians to “catch up.” However, being surrounded by successful musicians who aren’t famous—but are still doing what they love—was a source of comfort that Berklee certainly offered.

Some of Natalie’s post-grad worries included losing her community of musicians at Berklee and learning how to balance time between her job and her art. Currently, she lives in Boston and is maintaining her Berklee connections through collaborations and performances. She admits that working to fund her music has posed a few challenges, such as using up time and energy. She explains that learning to celebrate her accomplishments and appreciate her art has done wonders for her creative drive. “To me, it’s the finished product and emotional outlet that makes the less appealing parts of my day worth it.”

Natalie’s goal is to be signed by an independent label. To achieve that, she is working on developing her brand and following by promoting her music on Instagram. She also promotes herself by staying active in the Boston performing scene. She has performed at venues such as Midway Cafe and The Burren. Most recently, Natalie performed at Watertown Porchfest and Campfire Fest at Club Passim in Harvard Square.

Natalie released her debut song, Gone, in February 2024. Since graduating, she has released two more singles: Noose and The Way I See You. She is currently working on an EP, set to release in September 2025 and to be promoted with a release concert. Her musical influences stretch from folk legends like Joni Mitchell to modern artists such as Adrianne Lenker. Natalie’s music is available on all streaming platforms under Natalie Dodge, and her concert and release schedule is updated on her Instagram: @nataliedodgemusic_.

It was a pleasure hearing about Natalie’s inspiring and persistent passion for creation. With that, I’ll leave with a final word from Natalie:

“Art isn’t about numbers or streams; it’s about a personal creative outlet and the
way your art connects with people.”

nataliedodge.com