Upstate NY's Natalie Kurgan, who performs under the moniker Nocturnne, features songwriting known for her sweet blend of indie-folk and lilting vocals, steeped in a cross between 60s nostalgia and 90s angst. Nocturnne's songs draw from her connection to herself and the Earth, her love for travel and adventure, and her passion for environmentalism, humanitarianism, and activism. She is an advocate for sufferers of invisible illnesses as someone that has a chronic illness herself (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome).
Born and raised just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, she now calls the Adirondack Mountains of northern NY home. When not wandering the mountains and lakes and writing new music, she works as an engineer, having earned a doctorate degree with experience in multiple fields of Engineering.
"Relatively new to the Capital Region, singer-songwriter Nocturnne is making it a quick habit to get out there, and get out there fast...Singing, and writing songs that center around evocative imagery that’s supported by plaintive, yet effective instrumentation, she’s settling in rather quickly to this area. Doing all of this with no hindrances would be one thing, but managing to do this while mitigating her condition of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - and autoimmune connective tissue disorder - makes the young artist’s story that much more compelling."
My debut 6-track EP features a sound full of 60s nostalgia mixed with 90s angst, and a message to bring us all back down to Earth. Released in 2023, this album came just 1 year after I wrote my first song - Caroline - and has set me on course to pursue music as a full-time venture.
So what's next? I'm in the studio now working on a full album, expanding my sound and exploring new themes, styles, and collaborations. Whatever may come from it, you will find that signature Nocturnne wistfulness that yearns for all of your Wanderful Dreams to come true.
"Nocturnnes’ wistful musical style pays homage to the golden age of folk music in the 1960s and 1970s, music she grew up with her parents listening to. Her songs are filled with relatable storytelling, delicate angelic vocals, and enticing harmonies at just the right moments."
2022 -
I wrote my first song!
I was invited to play in a Songwriting Circle on stage at the Finger Lakes Grass Roots festival.
Released my first single, Caroline
2023 -
Released my 6-track EP Wanderful Dreams and relocated to the Saratoga Springs NY area and began establishing myself in the music community.
2024 -
Performing in solo gigs regularly throughout the year at bars and writing prolifically.
Organized my own online songwriting circle to bring people together and motivate songwriters to write and share new music.
2025 -
Began working with a consultant in music management, booked more showcase performances and outdoor events rather than bars and restaurants, handmade my own merch, started an email list (currently at 45 subscribers!), posted and engaged to social media consistently.
I have been commissioned to write a new song and perform for the 2025 People and Peaks event to celebrate the Adirondack Mountain Club in September 2025.
"Embodying all the best parts of the folk genre, she’s leaned on her dynamic vocals to create a specific vibe, all the while putting on a masterclass in songwriting and storytelling."