Teddy Sinclair
Teddy Sinclair, born Natalia Noemi Keery-Fisher on 15 August 1986 in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, is a British singer, songwriter, actress, and producer known professionally under multiple aliases, including Natalia Kills, Verbalicious, and as the lead vocalist of the band Cruel Youth.[1] Sinclair began her career in music early, winning a BBC Radio 1 battle of the bands in Leeds in 2003, which marked her breakthrough moment as an emerging artist.[2] She gained prominence in the early 2010s under the stage name Natalia Kills, releasing her debut album Perfectionist in 2011, which peaked at number 134 on the Billboard 200, followed by the EP Trouble in 2013, reaching number 70 on the same chart.[3] As a songwriter, she has collaborated with major artists, co-writing Rihanna's hit "Kiss It Better" from the 2016 album ANTI, earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, and contributing tracks to Madonna, Alicia Keys, Kiiara, and others.[4][5] In 2015, Sinclair and her husband, musician Willy Moon, faced significant backlash as judges on The X Factor New Zealand when they publicly criticized contestant Joe Irvine for resembling Moon, leading to accusations of bullying and their subsequent firing by the show's producers after a widespread outcry.[6][7] She transitioned to the project Cruel Youth in 2016, releasing the debut EP +30mg, with singles such as "Mr. Watson" amassing over a million Spotify streams and featuring in high-profile placements, including Tom Ford's New York Fashion Week show.[8][9] Her work has secured over 50 synchronization licenses in recent years, and she has been covered by outlets like The Fader, BBC, Paper Magazine, Nylon, and Ladygunn.[8] Sinclair has also pursued acting since childhood, debuting at age nine in the 1995 production New Voices after training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and later appearing in films and television.[1] Based in New York City since relocating from London, she continues to write and perform, with Cruel Youth's music garnering millions of streams on platforms like Spotify.[8] In April 2025, Sinclair publicly shared that she had undergone brain surgery to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition often called the "suicide disease," and has been in recovery, announcing plans for new music amid her health challenges. That month, Cruel Youth released three new songs for the season 4 soundtrack of Godfather of Harlem.[10][11]Life and career
1986–2009: Early life and music beginnings
Teddy Sinclair, born Natalia Noemi Cappuccini on August 15, 1986, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, grew up in a multicultural family with an Afro-Jamaican father and a Uruguayan mother.[12] Her early years were marked by instability, including her father's imprisonment when she was 12 years old, which she later described as resembling an episode of Jerry Springer due to the chaotic family dynamics and social challenges she faced.[13] These experiences contributed to feelings of isolation during her childhood in Bradford, where she attended Bradford Girls' Grammar School.[12] Sinclair showed an early interest in performance arts, beginning acting at age six and making her professional debut at age nine in the 1995 British children's TV series New Voices, where she portrayed Pearl in the episode "The Treasure of Zavimbi".[14] By age 11, she was training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, honing her skills in acting and music, though her time there was brief as she balanced it with other opportunities.[1] She continued with television roles, including a recurring part as Sima in the BBC sitcom All About Me from 2002 to 2004, and voiced Amy Franks in the BBC radio drama The Archers around 2004. These early roles established her presence in the British entertainment scene while she navigated personal hardships. In her mid-teens, Sinclair turned to music as an outlet, teaching herself piano and beginning to write songs around age 14. By 17, she adopted the alias Verbalicious and released her debut single "Don't Play Nice" in 2005, a hip-hop-infused track produced by Tommy D that peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and showcased her bold, confrontational style.[15] The single was part of her early independent efforts in the music industry, though a full album never materialized under that name. In the late 2000s, she relocated to London to focus on music full-time, signing with smaller labels and experimenting with indie sounds before transitioning to a more polished pop persona.[14]2010–2014: Breakthrough as Natalia Kills and debut albums
In 2010, Teddy Sinclair signed with Cherrytree Records and Interscope Records through a joint venture, marking her entry into major label support under the stage name Natalia Kills.[16] She crafted a fictional backstory for the persona, portraying Natalia Kills as a glamorous anti-heroine—a bold, unapologetic figure drawing from noir aesthetics and pop culture icons like those in Pulp Fiction.[17] This character allowed Sinclair to explore themes of rebellion and perfectionism, distancing her real-life experiences from her public image while building a visually striking narrative through music videos and performances.[3] Sinclair's breakthrough came with the release of the Perfectionist EP in early 2011, featuring the singles "Mirrors" and "Free" (the latter featuring will.i.am), which showcased her electro-pop style with dark, synth-driven hooks.[18] The full-length album Perfectionist followed in April 2011 via will.i.am Music Group, Cherrytree Records, KonLive, and Interscope, blending dance-pop with edgy lyrics about love and self-destruction.[19] It achieved modest charting in Europe, peaking in the top 50 in countries like Germany and Austria, where "Mirrors" reached the top 10, establishing her as an emerging voice in international pop.[12] Her second album, Trouble, arrived in September 2013, produced with collaborators including Jeff Bhasker and Emile Haynie, and led by the promotional single "Controversy," which critiqued modern celebrity culture through orchestral strings and provocative visuals.[20] The record expanded her electro-pop sound with darker, more personal elements, earning praise for its risky, baroque influences and raw emotional depth, though it saw moderate commercial performance similar to her debut.[21] During this period, Sinclair ventured into acting, appearing in short films like Love, Kills xx (2012) and the Problem music video conceptualized as a short film by Ardency Inn (2013), both reinforcing the Natalia Kills persona's cinematic flair.[1] She also featured as the Head Vampire in LMFAO's "Champagne Showers" video (2011). On May 23, 2014, Sinclair married singer Willy Moon in a private ceremony in New York City, a personal milestone that softened her public image and highlighted her partnership with another Interscope artist.[22] The union, announced shortly before, influenced her evolving persona, blending vulnerability with the fierce independence central to her work.[23]2015: The X Factor New Zealand controversy
In early 2015, Teddy Sinclair, known professionally as Natalia Kills, and her husband, musician Willy Moon, were appointed as judges for the second season of The X Factor New Zealand, joining returning judges Paul Henry and Melanie Blatt to bring a fresh dynamic to the panel.[24] The season premiered on February 15, 2015, with the duo positioned as the show's edgier, international voices, drawing on Kills' pop persona and Moon's retro style to attract viewers.[25] The controversy erupted during the first live show on March 15, 2015, when contestant Joe Irvine, a 25-year-old singer, performed Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River." Kills initiated the criticism by accusing Irvine of mimicking Moon's signature look—slicked-back hair and a suit—calling it "cheesy," "disgusting," and a lack of originality that made Irvine a "laughing stock." Moon escalated the remarks, comparing Irvine to Norman Bates, the fictional serial killer from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, and suggesting the performance evoked a menacing vibe. The on-air exchange, captured in a widely shared video clip, drew immediate boos from the audience and stunned co-judges.[7][26][27] The footage went viral overnight, amassing millions of views and sparking intense public backlash across social media and news outlets, with widespread accusations of bullying, insensitivity, and unprofessionalism against the couple. High-profile figures, including The X Factor's creator Simon Cowell, condemned the behavior as crossing a line beyond typical judge critique, while Irvine received support from celebrities like Lorde and All Saints' Shaznay Lewis. The outcry prompted MediaWorks, the show's producer, to suspend Kills and Moon hours after the broadcast, followed by their full termination on March 16, 2015; an official statement cited the remarks as a "destructive tirade" that breached the show's code of conduct and values of respect.[6][28] The scandal dominated international headlines, amplifying perceptions of Kills' provocative persona as toxic and leading to her decision to abandon the Natalia Kills identity amid the reputational damage. Kills and Moon issued a joint apology on March 19, 2015, expressing regret for hurting Irvine and acknowledging the comments' inappropriateness, though they framed it as an attempt at "honest critique." In the immediate aftermath, the couple fled New Zealand for the United States, retreating from public appearances. Cherrytree Records, Kills' label, confirmed her release from her contract shortly thereafter, effectively halting her mainstream career momentum and initiating a period of professional seclusion.[29][30][31]2016–2025: Cruel Youth, hiatus, and recent return
Following the controversy on The X Factor New Zealand, Sinclair rebranded her musical identity and formed the indie pop band Cruel Youth in 2016 alongside her husband and collaborator Willy Moon.[5] The project marked a departure from her previous dance-pop persona, embracing a more confessional and '60s-inspired sound.[32] Cruel Youth's debut extended play, +30mg, was released on September 16, 2016, via independent label Disgrace Records.[33] The EP featured lead single "Diamond Days," released earlier that April, and "Hate Fuck," which debuted as a promotional single in September, both highlighting Sinclair's raw, narrative-driven lyrics over hazy indie pop arrangements.[34][35] The band followed with additional releases, including the 2018 single "Portrait of a Female," which further exemplified their evolution toward alternative rock influences with introspective, bittersweet themes exploring personal vulnerability and relationships.[36] This track, accompanied by a self-directed music video, underscored Sinclair's shift to uncensored storytelling in a retro-infused style.[37] From 2019 to 2024, Sinclair maintained a prolonged career hiatus under the Cruel Youth moniker, characterized by a low public profile and sporadic social media activity, with the band's last independent release being the 2019 single "Black River."[38] Occasional contributions, such as a feature on the 2023 track "Too Long" by Swiss producer No Way Back, provided limited visibility during this period.[38] Sinclair broke her extended silence on April 18, 2025, posting an open letter on social media that addressed her ongoing battles with chronic illness and announced forthcoming new music from Cruel Youth.[39] In the message, she disclosed undergoing brain surgery earlier that year to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a severe condition often called "suicide disease" due to its intense facial pain.[10] This announcement coincided with the release of the track "Time To Say Goodbye" by Godfather of Harlem featuring Cruel Youth on April 17, 2025, as part of the soundtrack for Season 4 of the series.[40] By mid-2025, she shared optimistic updates on her recovery, signaling a renewed focus on creative output.[39]Personal life
Relationships and marriage
Sinclair's early romantic relationships have not been publicly detailed, with little information available about her personal life prior to her marriage. She married New Zealand-born singer Willy Moon on 23 May 2014 in a private ceremony in New York City, coinciding with the height of her success as Natalia Kills.[22] The couple made several joint public appearances in 2014 and 2015, including as co-judges on the second season of The X Factor New Zealand, where their shared on-screen dynamic drew significant attention.[41] Their relationship has weathered professional setbacks, such as the controversial X Factor incident, but they have remained together, facing shared challenges like the 2021 fire that destroyed their New York apartment.[42] As of 2025, Sinclair and Moon are still married, with no children from the union, and Sinclair has emphasized focusing on personal and artistic growth in recent years.[43]Health challenges
Sinclair has endured a long-term struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic disorder characterized by intense, stabbing facial pain often described as the "suicide disease" due to its debilitating severity.[39] The condition stems from a benign brain tumor that has compressed the trigeminal nerve, leading to symptoms that intensified over time and included chronic facial pain episodes. Accompanying issues have encompassed chronic migraines, balance difficulties, vision impairments including visual snow syndrome, limited hearing, seizures, and difficulties with speaking, singing, reading, walking, dressing, and navigating independently, which from 2023 to 2025 necessitated reliance on assistance for basic daily functions.[10][39] To address the neuralgia, Sinclair underwent brain surgery in early 2025, following a previous procedure approximately two years prior; her recovery has involved extensive physical therapy, medication management, and gradual relearning of routine activities like eating and moving without aid.[39][10] She publicly shared details of her diagnosis and postoperative challenges on social media on April 18, 2025, in an open letter expressing the emotional exhaustion of her ordeal and emphasizing the isolation of living with invisible chronic pain.[39][10] These health battles have profoundly affected Sinclair's lifestyle, prompting a hiatus from touring to prioritize rehabilitation.[10] Through her disclosures, she has advocated for greater awareness of chronic illnesses, particularly trigeminal neuralgia, encouraging empathy and support for those facing similar "silent" sufferings.Artistry
Musical style
Sinclair's early work under aliases like Verbalicious and The Good Natured featured indie pop infused with electronic elements and DIY production techniques, often blending spoken-word poetry with hip-hop-inspired beats to create a raw, experimental sound.[3] These initial efforts emphasized self-produced tracks that merged personal lyricism with accessible pop structures, reflecting her Bradford roots and nascent songwriting skills.[3] During her Natalia Kills era from 2010 to 2015, Sinclair shifted to electro-pop and dark pop, characterized by glamorous, provocative themes of fame, rebellion, and urban nightlife. Her debut album Perfectionist (2011) showcased synth-heavy beats, prominent Auto-Tune on vocals, and narrative-driven lyrics that painted vivid stories of perfectionism and excess, drawing comparisons to theatrical dance-pop.[44] The follow-up Trouble (2013) deepened this style with fuller arrangements, riskier pop elements, and confessional tales of a troubled past, maintaining electronic production while incorporating subtle rock influences for a bolder, autobiographical edge.[45][46] With the Cruel Youth project starting in 2016, Sinclair transitioned to alternative rock and indie sounds, stripping away the polished sheen for raw vocals, acoustic guitar elements, and introspective themes centered on vulnerability, mental health, and fractured relationships. Albums like 30mg (2016) highlighted smoky, soulful delivery over band-oriented instrumentation, blending indie pop with alternative rock to evoke emotional duality—sunny optimism amid downpour-like melancholy.[47] Tracks such as "Mr. Watson" exemplified this evolution through minimalistic production that prioritized lyrical honesty and human experiences over synthetic gloss.[48] Overall, Sinclair's artistry evolved from character-driven, electronically enhanced pop to authentic, band-centric alternative music, earning acclaim for her versatile vocal range spanning sultry lows to emotive highs and the deepening lyrical introspection across phases.[49] This progression underscores a move toward unfiltered expression, with critics noting her ability to balance conceptual storytelling in early work with personal catharsis in later releases.[50]Influences and collaborations
Sinclair's musical style draws heavily from dramatic pop artists of the late 20th century, including Kate Bush, Queen, Depeche Mode, and Eurythmics, whose anthemic songs with emotional intensity informed the dark pop elements of her debut album Perfectionist (2011).[51] As she transitioned to the band Cruel Youth in 2016, her influences expanded to include classic acts like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Ronettes, blending their harmonious, retro sounds with rap music from her youth to create vibrant alternative pop.[49] Her aesthetic and lyrical approach also reflect inspirations from film and literature, particularly the suspenseful visuals of directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, and David Lynch, whose use of music to build drama shaped her noir-esque video concepts and thematic depth.[51] Sinclair has cited Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray as a key literary touchstone, influencing her exploration of perfection, flaws, and duality in songwriting, while her early demos merged spoken-word poetry with hip-hop-inspired pop, emphasizing confessional and introspective narratives.[51][3] Key professional partnerships have defined her career trajectory. On Perfectionist, she collaborated closely with producer Fernando Garibay, who co-wrote and engineered tracks like "Love Is a Suicide" and "Broke," contributing to the album's polished electronic sound. In Cruel Youth, Sinclair partnered with her husband Willy Moon as a core bandmate, co-creating the group's debut EP +30mg (2016) and integrating his retro influences into their output.[49] She has also written for major artists, including co-writing "Holy Water" for Madonna's 2015 album Rebel Heart, blending bold lyrics and melodies.[52] Following the 2015 controversy, Sinclair's rebranding to Cruel Youth incorporated broader indie and alternative vibes, though specific nods to recovery emerged in her 2025 announcements, where she detailed ongoing themes of resilience amid health struggles, including brain surgery for trigeminal neuralgia. In April 2025, Cruel Youth contributed three tracks to the Godfather of Harlem Season 4 soundtrack, continuing these themes.[39][53]Discography
Albums and EPs
Sinclair released her debut studio album, Perfectionist, on April 1, 2011, through Cherrytree Records and Interscope Records.[54] The project consists of 12 tracks on its standard edition.[55] Her second studio album, Trouble, arrived on September 3, 2013, via the same labels. Comprising 13 tracks, the release marked a shift toward more introspective themes of personal confrontation and identity.[20] While its lead promotional single "Controversy" garnered attention for its bold lyrical content, the album peaked at number 70 on the US Billboard 200.[55] Transitioning to her Cruel Youth project, Sinclair independently released the debut EP +30mg on September 16, 2016, under Disgrace Records.[56] The 7-track effort featured a raw, confessional style and included the breakout single "Diamond Days," which highlighted the band's cinematic sound.[33] In 2025, amid announcements of her recovery from health challenges including brain surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, Sinclair teased an upcoming full-length Cruel Youth album, signaling a return to music after a period of hiatus.[57]Singles
Teddy Sinclair's early recording career under the moniker Verbalicious began with the independent release of the single "Don't Play Nice" on February 21, 2005. This debut track, produced in a pop rap and dance-pop style, served as the lead for a planned but ultimately scrapped album and featured a music video directed with a playful, urban aesthetic.[58][59] Transitioning to her Natalia Kills persona, Sinclair debuted with "Mirrors" on August 10, 2010, as the lead single from her album Perfectionist. The electro-pop track, emphasizing themes of self-empowerment, achieved modest commercial success, peaking at number 99 on the UK Singles Chart in April 2011 and reaching number three on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Its accompanying music video, released in 2011, depicted Sinclair in a surreal, mirrored dreamscape, garnering attention for its gothic visuals.[55] Follow-up single "Free," featuring will.i.am, was released on June 28, 2011, as the third single from Perfectionist. The upbeat, synth-driven song explored themes of liberation and excess, with a Panasonic-sponsored music video version showcasing Sinclair in a high-energy, consumerist narrative. While it received radio play and digital promotion, it did not chart prominently in major territories.[60][61] In 2012, "Controversy" emerged as a promotional single ahead of Sinclair's second album Trouble, released digitally and accompanied by a black-and-white music video premiered on September 13, 2012. The provocative track, blending dark pop with industrial elements, highlighted interpersonal drama and was praised for its bold production, though it lacked formal chart certification.[62] For the Trouble era, "Rabbits" (styled as "Rabbit Hole" in some releases) appeared as an album track in 2013 but was not formally issued as a standalone single, limiting its commercial rollout to digital streaming and limited video snippets.[63] Under the Cruel Youth project, "Mr. Watson" was released on March 18, 2016, as a promotional single ahead of the EP +30mg. The track featured in high-profile placements, including Tom Ford's New York Fashion Week show, and amassed over a million Spotify streams.[64] "Diamond Days" followed on April 15, 2016, as the lead single from the EP +30mg. The soulful, blues-infused ballad reflected on lost glamour, with its official music video—featuring vintage-inspired visuals—amassing over one million views on YouTube by late 2016, contributing to its viral traction on social platforms.[65][66] "Hate Fuck" followed on September 7, 2016, as a promotional single from the same EP, delivering raw, alternative R&B lyrics on toxic relationships. The track's edgy content and minimalistic production underscored Cruel Youth's shift toward introspective indie pop, with a focus on digital distribution rather than traditional charting.[67][35] "Portrait of a Female," released as a standalone single on December 14, 2018, marked Cruel Youth's return after a brief hiatus. This retro-tinged pop track, evoking 1960s girl-group vibes with modern lyrical depth on femininity and resilience, was distributed independently via TuneCore and received positive coverage for its nostalgic sound.[32][68] Following a period of relative quiet, Sinclair, as Cruel Youth, contributed to the Godfather of Harlem: Season 4 soundtrack in 2025 with three featured tracks: "Crown Don't Make You King" (featuring Conway the Machine), "Time to Say Goodbye," and "Victorious" (featuring ScarLip). These independent digital releases, blending hip-hop and soul elements, represented her first major output in years, emphasizing collaborative storytelling tied to the series' narrative.[32]Other works
Tours
Sinclair's live performance career began under the stage name The Good Natured, featuring small club shows across the UK from 2008 to 2009, with a limited run of approximately 10–15 dates focused on building a local audience. As Natalia Kills, she promoted her debut album Perfectionist through a European club tour in 2011, comprising around 20 dates in venues such as Vienna's Szene and Birmingham's O2 Academy, where setlists emphasized tracks like "Mirrors" and "Free."[69][70] She also opened for prominent artists during this period, including three English dates on Ke$ha's Get Sleazy Tour in July 2011 and eight European and Brazilian shows on Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour from August to September 2011.[71][12] The Trouble era saw Sinclair headlining a more extensive world tour from late 2013 to early 2014, with over 40 dates spanning the US and Europe, including club and theater performances in cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles; setlists highlighted singles such as "Problem" and "Rabbits."[72][73] Supporting acts varied by region, featuring emerging artists like Miriam Bryant in select US shows. One-off appearances included a performance at the Minneapolis Gay Pride Festival in June 2013.[74] Under Cruel Youth, Sinclair undertook intimate venue tours in 2016–2017 promoting the EP +30mg, with about 15 dates across the UK, New Zealand, and the US, such as supporting Kiiara at The Fillmore in Philadelphia in November 2016 and headlining smaller spots like Cambridge's The Sinclair.[75][76] No major tours followed after 2017, attributed to health challenges. As of November 2025, any return to touring remains unconfirmed, with no scheduled dates announced.[77]Filmography
Sinclair began her acting career as a child, making her debut at the age of nine in the British television series New Voices in 1995, where she appeared in a minor role.[78] She continued with guest spots and recurring roles in various UK television dramas throughout the 2000s, showcasing her versatility in supporting characters. Her early training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama informed these performances, which often featured young characters in dramatic narratives.[78] In the mid-2000s, Sinclair took on several notable television roles, including Sima in the BBC sitcom All About Me (2002), where she had a regular part in the second series, and Helen in two episodes of the crime drama Silent Witness (2006).[1] She also portrayed Julie across two episodes of the comedy-drama Tripping Over (2006) and Kerry in an episode of Meadowlands (2007). Additional guest appearances included Laura Mangan in Coronation Street (2003), Hazel Perry in Doctors (2004), Anisa Khan in Blue Murder (2004), and Sujata in No Angels (2005).[79] These roles highlighted her presence in British television, often in ensemble casts dealing with social and familial themes.[2]| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | New Voices | Minor role | TV series |
| 2002 | All About Me | Sima (recurring) | TV series |
| 2003 | Coronation Street | Laura Mangan | TV series |
| 2004 | Doctors | Hazel Perry | TV series |
| 2004 | Blue Murder | Anisa Khan | TV series |
| 2005 | No Angels | Sujata | TV series |
| 2006 | Silent Witness | Helen (2 episodes) | TV series |
| 2006 | Tripping Over | Julie (2 episodes) | TV series |
| 2007 | Meadowlands | Kerry (1 episode) | TV series |
Awards and nominations
Sinclair has earned recognition for her songwriting and musical contributions through various awards and nominations in the music and television industries. Her work as a songwriter has been particularly noted, with a prominent nomination from the Recording Academy.| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Eska Music Awards | International New Face | Herself (as Natalia Kills) | Won | [80] |
| 2017 | Grammy Awards | Best R&B Song | "Kiss It Better" (as songwriter for Rihanna) | Nominated | [4] |
| 2025 | Black Reel Awards for Television | Outstanding Original Song | "Crown Don't Make You King" (as performer with Cruel Youth and Conway the Machine, for Godfather of Harlem) | Nominated | [81] |