Where do you live and why?
I live in Chelsea; I love that it’s so central. It’s so close to the museums, great shops and restaurants! It’s also a very international neighbourhood which I love.
When you moved to London from New York what did you find was the biggest difference?
Take out! In NYC (I suppose because there are so many options and so much competition), if you rang to order in food, the delivery boy was ringing your doorbell right after you hung up the phone. We would joke that they must have woks attached to their bicycles!
You have had such a diverse career history. What have you enjoyed the most?
I think everything I was able to accomplish early on helped me grow as a person, a mum and a musician. I loved everything I was doing at the time. There was one period where I was doing everything all in one day; waking up at 6am to teach an aerobics class at the The Peninsula hotel, running to the television studios in Queens to work in the PR offices from 9am until 6pm, zooming downtown to jam with my Motown band, getting back uptown to have a late dinner with my husband, then a couple of times a week playing a late-night gig.
Once I started to have kids, I had to give some things up. But I think I’ve always been a juggler. I guess that’s how I manage four kids now!
And what are you working on at the moment?
I just launched my new single I Am A Woman so I’m in the middle of a PA tour for that and I’m finishing up my follow-up single. I’m excited because I am collaborating with a fabulous rapper on it.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Probably Cher and Diana Ross and I’ll mix it up with Eminem, Axel Rose and Tinie Tempah, Barack Obama, Prince William and Kate Middleton!
What tracks would you choose for your desert island?
My taste is quite eclectic (as you can tell from my dinner party guests!); Anything by The Supremes, Donna Summer or Pointer Sisters for the disco diva in me; anything by Lincoln Park, Blackstone Cherry and Stained for the heavy rocker in me and anything by Eminem and Kanye West (especially their latest albums). Of course my songs would be on my iPod too!
What advice would you give to a tourist in London?
Soak up all the culture and architecture but also enjoy the amazing retail, fabulous restaurants and shows that London has. London is a really vibrant and cool city. Walking tours of London are also great.
Where are your favourite secret spots in west London?
Lucio restaurant [257 Fulham Road, SW3] – fabulous Italian food run by Lucio and his family. Just amazing.
What do you think of talent shows such as the X Factor?
I think it’s a terrific platform for truly talented vocal artists who are looking for a break; if they do make it to the live shows, they’ve already risen their profile enormously. I do think it starts to get a bit silly and contrived when you mix people like Wagner into it. I’m sure he’s a lovely guy but there are better contestants out there, certainly in terms of vocal ability.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My children and my 18-year marriage.
What would you like to achieve next in your music career?
Probably a number one cross-over from the club charts to the UK singles chart and to have a track that transcends time! It would also be great to become more international; I’ve been told my current single is big in Japan and Germany. I’d also love to continue to work with amazing producers, writers and DJs on new tracks.
Who is your inspiration?
Personally; my husband and my parents. Musically; Diana Ross and Axel Rose!
What one piece of advice do you live your life by?
Always be true to yourself and never give up on your dreams.
