Quick question for the guy who fired Natalie Rakowski from his band because her guitar solos were too melodic: What were you thinking, dude?”

“Natalia’s “0181 Tree House Kiss” is one of the most sublimely beautiful pieces in the BBM.net Library. Volumes of moods are evoked just a synth pad, close-miked hand percussion and, (ready, dude?) very little melody.

Originally from Poland, Natalia has wanted to do nothing but be a musician since she can remember. Her mother was a professional dancer and her music-loving father kept her on a steady diet of of Roxy Music, David Bowie, The Beatles, and too many others to mention.

After emigrating to the U.S., Natalia won the Fairfax County Musicianship Award and spent many years playing cello in ensembles at various venues including the Kennedy Center.

With a degree in electrical engineering, Natalia can read technical manuals faster than most of us can read a John Grisham novel. So it only makes sense that one of her many projects involves developing highly versatile MIDI controllers similar to the Control Freak.

Natalia’s proudest career moment so far?

“Probably performing Carl Orff's ‘Carmina Burana’ on cello with a massive symphony orchestra and 200+vocalists...chills!”