MC Tali: The Unstoppable Rise of a Drum and Bass Queen

MC Tali: The Unstoppable Rise of a Drum and Bass Queen

Meet MC Tali, also known as Natalia Sheppard, the powerhouse behind some of the most electrifying beats in the drum and bass scene. Her journey from a small town girl to a global sensation is a testament to her unwavering passion and determination.

Breaking Barriers and Setting Records

Natalia Sheppard has always been a trailblazer. As one of the world’s first female drum and bass MCs, she shattered glass ceilings and proved that gender is no barrier to success in the music industry. Hailing from a humble background, she catapulted to international fame through sheer grit and talent.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

When the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Tali saw it as an opportunity to innovate. With her touring schedule disrupted, she channeled her energy into re-releasing her debut album and creating a captivating documentary about her journey.

Celebrating 15 Years of Lyric on My Lip

Drum and bass aficionados worldwide know and love MC Tali. Her debut album, Lyric on My Lip, has just celebrated its 15th anniversary and is now available on digital platforms for the first time. To commemorate this milestone, a documentary chronicling her rise in the music industry has been released on YouTube. The film features rare tour footage and intimate interviews shot during lockdown.

“Lockdown was incredibly productive for me. I was really creative,” she shares. “I started working on new music, and my husband [Benn Rolls-Sheppard, whom she married in 2010] and I found that we just love being together. We’re each other’s favorite person, which was so nice.”

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Tali’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering self-belief. From her roots as a farm girl in South Taranaki to her status as a global music sensation, her journey is truly inspiring. Raised in Awatuna with her three siblings, artist mother Margaret Scott, and dairy-farmer-turned-property-investor father, Ian, Tali’s love for music and performing arts was evident from a young age.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Tali’s determination and passion for music have cemented her legacy in the drum and bass world. With seven albums under her belt, a world tour, and performances at major international festivals, she continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of artists.

For more information, visit Woman Magazine.