Natalia Clavier

Natalia Clavier first drew notice for her guest vocal contributions to Federico Aubele’s 2007 release Panamericana. The Argentine performer then launched her own recording path the subsequent year via ESL Music, the imprint operated by Thievery Corporation. Raised in Buenos Aires, she absorbed an eclectic mix of sounds at home, where her mother favored North American soul and R&B alongside Spanish singer-songwriters and classical repertoire. Jazz later shaped her direction, most notably through the influence of Sarah Vaughan, prompting her to establish herself as a professional jazz vocalist. Her path led from Buenos Aires to Barcelona, Spain, where regular performances brought her into contact with fellow Buenos Aires native and expatriate Federico Aubele. Aubele had already gained international attention after issuing his debut album Gran Hotel Buenos Aires in 2004 on ESL Music. He invited Clavier to join him for live appearances and subsequent tours, and she supplied vocals for his follow-up album Panamericana, also on ESL Music. Thievery Corporation’s Eric Hilton responded strongly to both her performances and a ten-song demo she had cut with Aubele, leading him to helm production of her debut full-length Nectar, issued by ESL Music in 2008.