And fend off the odd proposal.

Then the Germany-raised Brit is swift to point out she's not just something eye-catching to stick on the Eurodance act's record sleeves, even if she is on every single one of them.

"I'm not a girly girl, though," says the 26-year-old at any hint she wasn't employed entirely for athletic tonsils. "I'm quite steadfast. I know what I mean. I don't try to pretend to be somebody else.

"And yes, I get the whole 'marry me' thing – nothing else too terrible, normally sweet comments. I also get fans that are quite shy."

Then after four years helping turn Cascada into a global success story, Natalie exudes a confidence not all us blokes' fragile egos can handle. That includes some chaps in the music business – like the director of the band's most recent promotional video who wanted her to be less forceful.

"It appears I come across as very confident and dominant in videos, above the guy in it, and I never realised that," she concurs ahead of Cascada's return to Sheffield University's Octagon Centre on October 7.

"Then I've got many bloke mates. And I'm into cars. I like a good drink and I'm also no string bean – I've got good arms and a broad back.

"I do totally forget to be a girl sometimes. I can be sexy and a woman as well, though, but when I get on stage I forget and go mental and that transfers to the audience."

That's also the difference between Cascada and some other seemingly pop-by-numbers acts – they can translate their seemingly relentless stream of chart fodder such as the huge Every Time We Touch, Truly Madly Deeply, What Hurts The Most and Ready For Love into a credible live show, even if we're not exactly talking virtuoso musicianship here.

Not that the rest of the Cascada 3.5 million-selling 'project' leave the studio with Natalie.

Cascada's production gurus DJ Manian and Yanou remain with their high-tech toys while their feisty femme and leading lady has taken her crew, including dancers, around the globe for years.

"People call me Cascada because it is the stage name. They see me as the face of it and I'm the only one who goes on tour.

"But just because we have dancers it is no less sincere – it is still music. If you take out the dance beat these are normal pop songs. I'm a normal singer and the songs are built the same way. We do a normal pop concert but with a more energetic show."

She continues: "I never really get much of a break but I enjoy my job. I don't get bored – it's different to sitting in an office.

"I love getting around, seeing different places, meeting different people and in 10 years time I can say I've seen half the world."

Natalie lives in Bonn, her parents having moved to Germany before she was born. She speaks fluent German, although at home spoke English, and says she doesn't "feel German".


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