Nat Oaks: Defiance And Growth In "The Way You Want Me"

Rising rapidly through the ranks of the alternative hip-hop and indie pop scenes, Nat Oaks is carving out a name as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices. With a soulful, genre-blending sound inspired by the likes of Loyle Carner, Arlo Parks and Little Simz, Nat’s latest release drops just as she hits her biggest milestones yet.

From a standout performance on the Main Stage at Love Saves The Day, to an appearance at Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival, and a highly anticipated Glastonbury debut.

"The Way You Want Me" lands as a smooth yet defiant anthem of self-acceptance, marking a bold new chapter in Nat’s journey, all wrapped in her signature husky vocals and emotional depth. We enjoyed a sit-down with Nat to ask about inspiration and creation:

“The Way You Want Me” radiates this peaceful defiance, like a deep breath after letting go of expectations. What was the spark behind writing it?

I’d come out of a relationship where I felt I wasn’t enough for the person. I realised that sometimes I prefer to ignore the problem and just focus on having fun, so there’s a slightly irresponsible undertone to the song, but that’s how I felt for a while. But then I also realised I’m still young and don’t necessarily have to take things too seriously for the time being.

You’ve said it came together during a songwriting camp with MSTRY. What was that creative setting like, and how did it shape the track’s mood?

It was a really funny camp, to be honest. We had a few drinks flying around, and that produced a few hungover morning sessions. I couldn’t be bothered to write, lying slumped on the couch in the make-shift studio. I think that influenced the tone of the song, too. Sometimes I just don’t care, and I think I reflected that a bit in the song.

Releasing this during Pride Month feels like a statement in itself. Was that timing intentional?

The timing was intentional. Being a lesbian is a core part of my identity, even if I’m more subtle about it in my writing. My social media is flooded with queer stereotypes, including the “U-Hauler” lesbian couples who basically move in together after the first month of dating. I feel the queer community is holding itself up to a difficult standard at the moment, with there being a “right way to be gay.” The Way You Want Me rejects that completely.

The song rejects people-pleasing and leans into self-trust. Was that a mindset shift you’d been building toward for a while?

It’s definitely taken me a long time. I think it’s partially due to the conflict I’ve felt between cultures and in my identity as both British and Ghanaian. It’s a struggle I know lots of queer Black people face, finding comfortability in ourselves. I really started to trust and love myself when I realised that things are going as good as they are because I am just being myself. I watched an interview that George Michael did which really inspired me, where he talked about queer people having to fight for their existence when the whole world is telling them they’re wrong. It makes you question everything around you, and my mindset really changed after that.

Sonically, the track is super smooth — almost meditative. How do you strike that balance between chill and catchy?

I think it’s just integral to the way I write my songs. I like a groove you can bop your head to or whack on in the car and feel like you’re gliding down the road. My influences include Little Simz, Loyle Carner and Arlo Parks, so it feels like I’m heading towards that space. It also feels like I’m filling in a bit of a gap of the kind of music I’d like to hear.

You’ve played big stages this year, from Love Saves The Day to your upcoming Glasto debut. How does it feel bringing such a personal track to those massive crowds?

I feel like I’m finally being seen. I’ve struggled with openness about myself, particularly with my family. Being on stage lets me be my true self.

You’re performing a free set at Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival — that’s huge. What does playing under her curation mean to you?

Little Simz is my biggest inspiration. I’ve been following her journey for years, album by album. This feels like the most important show I’ll be playing because of the association.

This track feels like a shift — a new chapter. Would you say you’re entering a different creative era now?

Definitely. It feels like everything is leveling up so much. I’ve got a whole host of releases lined up and chose this song as it feels like it marks the new start. I’ve had a lot of growing up and development to do. But now I’m in a place where I really know myself, which helps with absolutely everything.

Whoever is in your corner will love you the way you are.” That line hits. When did you realize that for yourself?

Things started really picking up music-wise recently. I made the conscious decision to just be really honest about myself, even when it’s hard. The support and backing I’ve been receiving is out of this world. I intend on carrying on the way I am, and whoever sees me and wants to be a part of the journey will share in the fun and success.

Looking ahead, what’s something you want your audience to take from this moment — from this version of Nat Oaks?

Things are only getting crazier from here, and I’m ready for it. I feel unstoppable right now, and want everyone who resonates to feel as part of the family and journey as possible.

With recent support slots for artists like Jelani Blackman, Pip Millett, and Master Peace, Nat’s live energy continues to win over crowds across the UK. Her unapologetically honest songwriting, shaped in part by her queer identity, has earned nods from CLASH, Wonderland, and Pirate Studios, who celebrate her as one of the most captivating rising talents on the scene.

Recently nominated for the Youth Music Rising Star Award and named in their 2025 Ones to Watch, Nat Oaks is stepping into her biggest year yet — and "The Way You Want Me" is just the beginning.