RIP, Released in Memory of the most dedicated artist I've ever produced..
This Record is of course dedicated to the artist Natalie, (02/15/78 - 2/04/20), her Nephew Kurt Hornback (10-09-92 - 05/24/21), and her late husband Sean Hughes who some of her vocal tracks were based off of.
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Rest in Peace, Natalie. I will always Love and Miss you.
Natalie was a mother figure to me. She passed away on February 4th, 2020. I Produced this collection of music for her years back.
I miss her dearly, and I felt her memory should live on through her music. No matter our downfalls, I will always remember her as the strongwoman who instilled values upon me and saved my life when I needed it most. You were too good for this world, even when you were an oddball I always listened to you. I love you and miss you ❤
I am honored to have made music with you. You always knew what you wanted in a track. It was genius, to be Frank..
Thank you Natalie, thank you for everything you did for me
You saved my life those years ago.. You're with you Mother now, Rest in Peace. I will never forget you."
Neil Ricard - July, 4th, 2020
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These are a selection of tracks we recorded together, remastered the summer of 2017 two & a half years after the original recording sessions. Her input was always of the utmost importance. I hope to honor her with this first original release.
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Personal Track Notes*
Track 3: "Field of Flowers"
This is a track I recorded and composed with Natalie. She wrote this for her future Husband Sean Hughes before they were together. They were in a long distance relationship and she wrote this song with me to represent the love she wished she had with him at that time which still battling for a marriage visa.
Track 6: "Keeps it Real"
"Keeps It Real" is a track Natalie wrote and recorded by request. She specifically requested no autotune on the vocals even though I tried to say otherwise. She was always hardheaded, hell she watched me mix her vocals herself, being the perfectionist she was, heh. We really enjoyed recording this one. I believe it was 2012 or early to mid 2013 when I was on my trap phase. She had some experience in recording rap music before, so I started composing a track with the 'trap' sound she wanted.
The cards were just right.
Track 7: "Do It Again"
This very sensual track was dedicated to her Lover, Sean. Dealing with the pressures of an overseas lover and the fight to receive him into her arms, a lot of her inspiration was inspired by her persistent love and her Personal Desires.
Honestly, she was a little ashamed to let herself go with the sexualized lyrics she had written and recorded, but she was proud of this track in the end.
She fought for Five long and tiring years to get him down here with her. This song was written and recorded for him.
Track 8: "Touch Of Fire - [2014 Mix]".
Though this track in an instrumental: the original "Touch of Fire" was the first track Natalie and I composed together and recorded vocals on before I had homed my craft. Admittedly it was a terrible recording I felt needed a hella ton of Pitch Correcting. But it was Natalie and I's Magnum Opus into music again.
I remixed it years later when I still had the Master Tracks in 2014. I was scared to tell her because she was always so protective of her tracks, but she Loved the mix I sent it to her years later. When dealing with someone's baby, you always want their approval. And I was proud and blessed she loved the mix.
Track 10: "Sunny Day"
This was a composition I didn't understand at first. Her vision was specific and I thought it was so weird at first. Years later after personal listening I started to appreciate it.
'Its too positive, almost sickening because it sounds so.. Happy. like a Sunny Day' . I didn't get it, haha. Yet eventually, I totally get the reasoning for this. Haha.
Track 11, "No Distance Apart"
This track is the Duet with Natalie & I was recorded at a dark time in Natalie's life, when all she wanted was her Husband Sean Hughes. Sean is from the UK, and she was fighting for a marriage visa. After three and a half years of battling, who wouldn't want to write a song about that type of commitment. She wrote the lyrics, and directed me what to sing. She wanted me to sing like it was Him speaking to her in his words. It was.. powerful, as inadequate as I felt.
I'm honored to have recorded it with her.
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Natalie's Obituary:
Natalie Boudreaux Hughes, 41, a native of Golden Meadow and resident of Grand Isle, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Natalie is survived by her husband of 5 years, Sean C. Hughes; father Lanny Boudreaux; brother Karl Hornback; sister Lana Rodriguez (Wade); nephew and godchild Murphy Rodriguez; godchild Kylar Allemand; cousins Keith Hornback (Debbie) and Kent Hornback (Allison); and a host of cousins.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine "Jerrie" M. Boudreaux; grandparents, John and Phelonise Boudreaux and Delta and Agnes Mitchell.
Published by Houma Today from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10, 2020.
www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houmatoday/name/natalie-boudreaux-hughes-obituary?pid=195333593
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Kurt's Obituary:
Kurt Hornback
Mansfield, MO - Kurt John Hornback "Scooby", 28, a resident of Mansfield, MO and native of Bayou Lafourche passed away on Monday, May 24th 2021.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 at 11am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Golden Meadow, La.
Kurt is survived by his mother Esther Matherne, Brother: Kasey (Desiree), Sisters: Victoria (Gary), Honnah. Nieces: Morgan, Annlee, Cloe. Nephews: Hayden, Trint, Blake. GodMother Lana Rodriguez, GodFather Mike Lafont, Best Friend Kaitlyn Hooker, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.
He was preceded in death by his Grandmother Diana Matherne, Grandfather Allen Matherne Sr. Great Grandmother Esther Matherne, Great Grandfather Wiley Matherne, Grandmother Geraldine Boudreaux, Cousin Natalie Hughes, Grandmother Marlene Hornback, Grandfather Jimmy Hornback, Nephews Trase and Blaze Gaudet.
Kurt will be remembered for his kindness and helpfulness to others, sense of humor, his love for God and community. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow in Kurt's name.
www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houmatoday/name/kurt-hornback-obituary?pid=198827080
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**recording started in 2012 and officially ended near early 2014. "Touch of Fire - 2014 Mix was remixed in Summer of 2014"
Remastering started by myself and given to Natalie personally in Summber of 2016.
Rest In Peace, Natty-Boo. I love you. One day soon.
