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9th
June 2003 |
| Despite
being the lead vocalist of Manchester legends M
People, Heather Small was actually born and raised on a West
London council estate. It was only after a chance meeting with Hacienda
DJ Mike Pickering that she moved up to Manchester to front the group
that would go and sell over 10 million records worldwide.
In 2000 Heather Small released her
debut solo album, 'Proud', a critically acclaimed collection of
self-penned soul and gospel anthems.
She also later collaborated with Tom Jones on the single 'You Need
Love Like I Do'.
To reinforce her status as an adopted
Mancunian, Heather returned to Manchester to close the 2002 Commonwealth
Games, singing the track 'Proud' in front of millions of television
viewers worldwide. |
| Heather
spoke exclusively to Pride Of Manchester ahead of her short solo tour
in June 2003 when she will be showcasing her new material as well
as performing a mix of her favorite jazz and soul standards at Manchester's
Bridgewater Hall as well as York, Cambridge and London. This will
be followed by further shows with the Snake Davis Band at the Southport
Theatre and the Soho Palace Theatre. |
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As
you're not originally from Manchester, are you surprised at how
the city 'adopted' you? |
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Heather Small: "I am from London and I am
honoured at the response I get any time I come to Manchester. It
will always be like playing a home audience." |
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| Is
it true you were awarded the freedom of the city of Manchester? |
| "Yes,
it is true I have the freedom of the city" |
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| You're
playing The Bridgewater Hall on June 16th. Do you get back to Manchester
often? |
| "I come
to Manchester on average once or twice a month as I have friends and
family who live in the area." |
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We've had
loads of e-mails asking if you plan to extend your tour outside
the UK, in particular to the Far East, Australia, and Europe. Is
this something you've thought about? |
| "I am concentrating
on writing at the moment so I have no plans for shows outside of the
country" |
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| I
believe you used to get stage fright before shows. Does this get worse
now you're touring as a solo artist? |
| "I suffer
with nerves badly before any show, with the group or solo performances,
it always feels like my first show or maybe my last show so I always
want it to be the best show" |
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| You've been quick
to announce that your new solo tour and album does not spell the end
for the mighty M People. Is there anything planned with Mike and the
boys? |
| "We are deciding
what we want to do, nothing really is planned at the moment but we
are always writing." |
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| A lot of your
lyrics, both with M People and also as a solo artist are inspirational,
particularly sending anti-drug messages. Is there any song you have
written that you are really proud of? (no pun intended). |
| "I am just trying
to write and perform songs that mean something to me personally whether
that is with the band or on my own. So far I am proud of all the songs
because they are realto me and still feel good to sing" |
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| Whilst you were
born in England, where are your parents from? |
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| "My parents are from
the Caribbean, Barbados." |
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| Did
this make you even more proud to be singing at The Commonwealth
Games closing ceremony? |
| "Singing
at the Commomwealth Games was great because there was such a feeling
of warmth in the stadium." |
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| You've
played some huge venues, including the Commonwealth Games closing
ceremony and Old Trafford football stadium. Looking back, which
one still gives you the biggest buzz now? |
| "Playing
at Old Trafford in the 90's was brilliant because it was so huge.
I was very nervous but the feelings on the night were immeasurable,
I felt I could fly." |
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| We
know you're into a lot of soul/gospel singers from the 60's onwards,
but what kind of contemporary artists are you into? |
| "I am
not very current really but I like Big Brovas, Craig David, Ms Dynamite,
Missy Eliott and Mary J Blige." |
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Who would
you really like to work/duet with in the future? Have you thought
about singing alongside Russell Watson for example?
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| "Missy Eliott and
Ray Charles. Missy Eliott because she is very creative and excellent
at what she does. Ray Charles because of his talent and that voice." |
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| Is
it right you support Oldham Athletic? |
| "No,
totally incorrect, my son would have a fit!" |
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| Are you personally
interested in the Internet, especially as you've just launched your
own official website? |
| "The Internet is
a quick and efficient means of communication so if it is anything
to do with business then it is fine. I still love my telephone and
the spoken word, they will always be my favoured means of communication." |
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| You're obviously
a person who comes across as being genuinely more interested in 'touching
people' with your music than trying to make loads of money. Have you
set your self any expectations for your forthcoming material? |
| "To be as honest
as I can, which is not always as easy as it should be. To do everything
with all my heart and do anything it takes to improve my vocal and
songwriting ability." |
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| Thanks
Heather for taking time out to talk to us totally free of charge,
we really owe you one, and we'll be there to cheer you on in Manchester! |
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| Pride
Of Manchester would especially like to thank Peter
Noble at Heather's PR company for arranging the interview. |
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This interview is © 2003 Pride Of Manchester & Heather Small |
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