In her final moments of reflection on her life and legacy, M People’s Heather Small admits to still getting anxious before performances in Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny.
Few voices are as instantly recognisable as Heather Small, the M People frontwoman who has dominated British music for over 30 years. They are powerful, full of soul, and instantly upbeat.
Now, as she prepares to take centre stage in Jools’ Annual Hootenanny , on what will be the BBC music show’s 32nd anniversary, London-born Heather reflects on life, music and the kind of confidence that can only come with experience.
“I’m in a really good place,” she tells OK ! warmly as we catch up in an exclusive chat. “Life’s feeling pretty good.” The star will also be performing as part of the New Year ’s Day Parade that takes place in London every year.
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She claims that the London parade is special because it celebrates the people, the diversity, and the joy of the city itself. It’s intergenerational, free, and really brings people together. I’ve always believed that music should accomplish that.
Heather attributes her strong sense of identity to her upbringing in the working-class. She acknowledges that she was aware of the limitations society occasionally tried to place on her from a young age.
People will try to identify you, especially if you are descended from immigrant or of color, she says. I vowed never to let stereotypes define me.
One of the most popular British bands of the 1990s was Heather because of that determination. In addition to winning the 1994 Mercury Prize for the album Elegant Slumming, M People also had multiple hits, including Moving On Up and One Night In Heaven.
Despite all that success, Heather is also acutely aware of the difficulty that the music industry currently faces. According to her, “the biggest change I’ve seen is how difficult it is for musicians to survive.” It’s not about greed; it’s about getting paid well for your time, effort, and creativity. It’s very difficult to consistently give your best if you can’t pay your bills.
She offers some pointers for emerging artists. Remember both your worth and your value. Find your tribe, develop your skills, and find audiences, particularly live ones. Nothing compares to performing for the people you are supporting. Everything depends on that connection.
Even though Heather still struggles with nerves despite all these years, she still holds onto her artistic throne.
She admits, “I get very anxious.” I have requirements that I want to fulfill. I want to make the most of the money that has been given to me. The audience reappears, though, thanks to the immediate impact, the enthusiasm, and the love. You really feel like you can fly when you properly channel that adrenaline.
Heather says the rise of fearless female artists in recent years has given her a lot of inspiration, which she says wasn’t always the case when she first started out.
“There are so many women who express themselves across all genres and completely own what they do. She says, “That excites me,” highlighting one artist in particular. I can relate to Little Simz’s self-assurance, her Afrocentric approach, and her attitude. I wore suits and hairstyles that way. It’s amazing to see the legacy being left behind.
Heather has been renowned for her high-energy performances, but she enjoys being alone with a cup of lemon and ginger tea, vocal warming-ups, and mindfulness practice, which she has maintained for over 30 years.
She explains that “creating calm before the chaos” is key. I require quiet. I require restraint. When I step out on stage, I can give everything because of that.
Heather, a vegan, has always prioritized her health and well-being. She claims that despite starting the gym at 7:30 am, she still works out regularly. I think that health encompasses all three, including the body, mind, and spirit.
She is eager to continue practicing yoga and Ayurvedic treatments after making recent travels to Goa. She claims that it gave me a sense of renewal.
Being a mother is one of Heather’s most cherished accomplishments aside from being in the spotlight. When she talks about her only child, Labour politician James Small-Edwards, she bursts with pride.
She claims that “he’s hardworking, principled, and wants to change.” It’s also about how you do it, not just what you do. That is what you are, exactly.
When Heather recalls her specific moment of realization that music was truly her calling, she recalls the exact moment. When I first released the song, “How Can I Love You More?” I thought, “This could actually be a career.” However, touring actually confirmed it. You test your self by going out night after night.
She doesn’t seem to be slowing down. She celebrated her 60th birthday back in January with a nationwide tour alongside Wet Wet Wet. “It was tiring at times,” she admits, “but it reminded me this is what I love, and I’m still able to do it.”
Heather’s objectives for the future are refreshingly straightforward. She says, “I want to enjoy life, travel more, be well-being, and be surrounded by good people.” Try making someone else happy if you ever feel unhappy. I want to be a blessing to others because I feel blessed. That is the way I lead my life.
Meanwhile, she’s eager to take part in Jools’ Annual Hootenanny, a nation-wide celebration of New Year’s Eve. She claims it’s quite impressive to be performing on the show, especially in a milestone year.
It’s truly special to conclude the year with such a fantastic music show in front of such talented musicians. One of the most eclectic music TV programs has been overseen by Jools [Holland] for decades. She claims that the atmosphere is “electrifying.”
What will Heather be up to on New Year’s Eve given that the show has already been pre-recorded? She declares, “I’ll be celebrating with a live band performance at Soho House Brighton.” Brighton is a true party-goer, too!
Source: Mirror
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