Mel C talks touring, making new music, and getting back together with the Spice Girls
The singer speaks ahead of the release of her new album Version Of Me
MEL C, aka Sporty Spice, was known as the most talented of the Spice Girls.
Here she talks to JACQUI SWIFT about her comeback, great new album Version Of Me . . . and why she said no to the band’s reunion tour.
YOU said no to The Spice Girls reunion and have a really strong comeback album. Coincidence?
Not at all, I was working on my album when the question of the reunion came up so basically I’d have put it on hold had I agreed to go forward with the Girls.
How important was it to release Version Of Me now and remind people of your solo career?
Making and releasing records is what I do — it’s what I’ve always done as performing is very important to me. I can’t imagine a day when I don’t perform.
It is four years since your last album, Stages. Why so long?
During that time I’ve been presented with many other exciting opportunities. Since the release of Stages, I’ve played Mary Magdalene in the arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the UK and Australia.
I also toured with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, and I was a judge on Asia’s Got Talent last year. So really I’ve been quite busy.
Why choose Version Of Me as the title track?
Every album I’ve made reflects a version of me at that particular time. We all have many versions of ourselves.
The song is inspired by my experiences of being bullied when I was younger. Unfortunately
I’m sure lots of people will relate to the song.
Which song started the album off?
Blame was the first song I wrote for it, alongside Peter Vettese, who I have co-written with since I made my second album, Reason.
Escalator is a standout track.
It’s about how oppressive it is living in a busy city and how we become obsessed with possessions.
We all have so much more than previous generations had, yet there’s more depression and anxiety in the world.
The album has an electronic feel. Who influenced you?
During the writing process I’d been listening to artists like Sia and Jack Garratt, as well as revisiting some of my old favourites such as Zero 7 and Massive Attack.
I’ve also been influenced by Major Lazer and DJ Snake, but was aware I had to make a record with a sound that is right for me.
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Tell us about Numb.
I was in LA working with Sons of Sonix. We were loving DJ Snake and wanted to do something fun after being more heartfelt with Room For Love and Loving You Better.
The lyric is about not bottling up your feelings and setting your emotions free.
Turin Brakes worked with you on Something For The Fire.
I’ve always been a fan of theirs and when the opportunity came up to write with Olly (Knights) and Gale (Paridjanian), I was very excited. They are lovely and super- talented.
We wrote Something For The Fire in Olly’s garden. It’s a song that started life acoustically, it works beautifully that way as well as with a radically different production on the album.
How has your songwriting developed over the years?
I don’t think I’ve changed that much. I have always written from personal experience and as time has gone on I’ve definitely had more of them.
I do feel more courageous as I get older and I’ve tackled things I maybe wouldn’t have had the confidence to in the past.
You’ve been very proactive in educating people about depression. Has music helped?
Writing from personal experience is extremely cathartic, performing those songs is too.
It feels like you are getting things out of your system.
I have always found solace in music, I find it can be a companion in dark times.
You are touring next year.
I can’t wait to get back to doing live shows. I did a couple of launch gigs in London recently at Under The Bridge, a great club at Stamford Bridge, which gave me the bug to get out there again.
Having six studio albums gives me so much choice now.
You have hinted that you are finished with the celebrity side of things.
I love making music and performing, and being recognised for that, but dealing with some parts of the media and the intrusion into your private life can be difficult.
As I’ve got older I’m much more comfortable with things.
Why did you opt out of The Spice Girls’ 20th anniversary tour?
I decided that closing the Olympics as all five of us couldn’t be topped by coming together as a four-piece.
It was an amazing experience and I wanted to leave it there . . . but I wouldn’t rule out a future reunion if all five of us were on board
- Version Of Me is out now.
MELANIE C: VERSION OF ME ★★★★☆
1. Dear Life
2. Escalator
3. Anymore
4. Something For The Fire
5. Version Of Me
6. Numb
7. Room For Love
8. Unravelling
9. Loving You Better
10. Our History
11. Blame