DotMusic - Emma Bunton - May 15, 2003

There have been a lot of changes in the world of Emma Bunton. First it was record labels, then it was management, and now it's her style.

New single 'Free Me' (released May 26) is a definite progression for the former Spice Girl, placing her in previously uncharted waters as a 21st century version of a 60s classy pop star.

We chatted to Emma recently about her life now, the changes that have taken place, her new working relationship with Simon Fuller and those ever present Spice Girl reunion rumours.

What have you been up to recently?

"I'm actually just coming back from holiday. It was only for three days but I've been away with my family. It was well worth it."

It's another new start for you, what's different this time round?

"I've taken a lot more time on this album. I had a year when I could chill with my family and go out with girlfriends. A lot of things changed for me - record companies, management. And during that time I really grew into a different person and you can feel that in the album. I'm 27 now; I've taken a look at myself and the things I enjoy.

"Last time I didn't have the time free to go out and do my own thing. That's inspired me to write, it's been a really lovely time and the album shows that. It's very contemporary, very 60s and very classic. There's a lot of colour in there and I'm very confident of this album."

'Free Me' has a certain Bond swagger to it...

"'Free Me' was one of those tracks that all came together in the studio, working with this guy called Mike Peden who I wrote a few tracks with. It's very sexy without being sexual and has this James Bond feel to it, I absolutely love it. Right from the start I wanted the album to sound like that and 'Free Me' is a great example. It feels very strong with the strings."

Your voice seems to suit the track well...

"Yeah, that's because I enjoyed it. Again I've had time to work on my voice, work on it and become more confident with it. I've really gone for it this time."

Is 'Free Me' a good indication of the album?

"Yes and no. The whole album has a very 60s feel as I said before. There are some amazing ballads on there like 'Something So Beautiful' which gives me goosebumps when I listen to it back. There's another track called 'Maybe' that has a real retro feel with loads of live instruments, bongos and drums."

Any lyrical themes on the album?

"Lyrically I based it on how I felt on that particular day. I like to write what people can identify with. Sometimes people tend to go off on one, I want people to relate to me. I think that's very important. I go through things that most young girls do."

Is this the most input you've had on an album?

"I've always had a huge input into the music but yes, this is the most I've been involved. I've become more confident with directing the sound of the music. That's been a gradual progress of confidence."

What do you want to achieve with this album?

"Obviously for people to enjoy it and to have a big selling album (laughs)"

How did the 19 deal come about?

"We've always been in contact with Simon (Fuller): we've always texted each other and he was very supportive of my last album. And when I went through all these changes as I mentioned earlier I wanted people around me who were confident in me and wanted to support me and give me that extra push."

"I wanted people who believed in what I did and I knew, the whole time, that Simon believed in me. It felt really natural and I knew he was the best manager around and he'd allow me to be opinionated. For me, I know exactly what I want and people get scared of that. They want to push you in the direction they want you to go in and that's not right for me. I like to think I know what my fans like and what I feel comfortable doing."

In hindsight do you think it was a mistake for the Spice Girls to split with Simon Fuller in the first place?

"What we did at the time felt right and was exactly what we wanted to do at the time. At that point we wanted to do things on our own and take it to another level. Simple as that."

The last press frenzy over the Spice Girls came after your reunion meal the Beckham residence. What really happened?

"That story got a bit out of hand. I see the girls all the time so for us it was just a case of wanting to go to dinner and have a laugh and see the kids. It was just a really friendly social gathering. We didn't all fall out. Don't believe everything you read."

So what about all those rumours of your TV work?

"I don't know how they come about, they're so untrue. I've never approached anyone or gone after the TV work they've been linking me with. I don't know what they're talking about. Obviously I'm just concentrating on the music, as the album's due out very soon. We're thinking about a tour - maybe an intimate one first and then a bigger one."

You're appearing on the bill of some pop tours soon- do you feel like an old pro now?

"That's a nice way of putting it, thanks. I think the kids out there love pop music and can get a real variation with Blazin' Squad to Sugababes. It does feel a bit weird sometimes when there are so many of them. When we were first around there were nowhere near as many groups as there are now. The kids are buying it so it's good."

What are you looking forward to this year?

"I'm doing this Nordoff Robins charity gig where I'll be doing 20 minutes so I'll be able to do some more tracks than normal. I'm looking forward to people listening to what I've been doing for the last year. I know it's been a while but I think it's been worth it."
Emma's new single 'Free Me' is released in the UK on May 26.

Chris Heath