Katie Melua - Secret Symphony

Katie Melua has never let success go to her head despite the fact that she is one of the best known and loved artists in the music industry.

Born and raised in Georgia, Katie moved to Northern Ireland as a child and then to England as a teenager when her family relocated.

“My life today is very different to how it was as a child so I don’t tend to take anything for granted,” she says. “Living in Georgia I would sometimes have to climb five flights of stairs with water for the family, so my first experience of running water and a warm bath was almost as exciting as having my first hit single!”

Katie was discovered at a Brit School showcase by producer Mike Batt and he quickly signed the 18 year old to his own Dramatico label.

Her first single, ‘The Closest Thing to Crazy’, was picked up by Radio 2 and played regularly by firm fan and the then breakfast show host Terry Wogan. His support raised her profile in the UK and when her album ‘Call Off The Search’ was released in November 2003, it entered the Top 40 Album Charts.

“Things started to move quite quickly from thereon in. I got to perform on the Royal Variety Show and by January 2004 my album was number one,” says Katie.

‘Call Off The Search’ went onto sell over 3.6 million copies worldwide and her star was certainly in the ascendancy.

Three more albums followed, all major successes, and Katie went on to perform all over the world. By May 2011 she was number 2 in the under 30s rich list and had established herself as one of the bestselling international artists of her generation.

With the forthcoming release of ‘Secret Symphony’, Katie’s enthusiasm and professionalism still shines through. This time there’s a broader, more orchestral flavour that she has wanted to achieve for some time.

“The idea for ‘Secret Symphony’ started after I did a concert in Stuttgart in 2008. I thought I would love to do an album with a full orchestra and after my last tour I discussed the idea with Mike. He was excited and very supportive and I am really happy with the finished product. I hope my fans will enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.”

With a tour planned to support the new album and a special summer event at Hampton Court also scheduled this year, Katie certainly shows no signs of slowing down.

“I love touring and I love being on stage. Of course the hardest part is the travelling but when you have a new audience every night, with fresh faces responding to your performances, it brings a renewed impetus to everything you are doing.

“It’s that feeling that brings a genuine sense of uniqueness to every gig.”

Being a star has always been secondary to being a musician for Katie and, while fame has brought its benefits, it was never fame that drove her ambition. As a consequence, she has many interests that drive her.

“My private life has always been very important to me and because of that I keep what goes on outside work away from the spotlight. That way it’s easy for me to remain anonymous a lot of the time.

“I love being with my friends and family is very important to me and when I can find the time I indulge in a spot of gardening. I also like to go to gigs if I have the time.”

So who inspires her and what is she listening to at the moment?

“I grew up with an eclectic taste in music – everything from Eva Cassidy to Joni Mitchel to The Beatles made it onto my play list. In fact, I was on the Parkinson show in the early days with Paul McCartney and he was kind enough to compliment me on my work, which was a massive thrill for someone who had always loved his music with the band.

“These days I love everything from Keane to Coldplay and if I had the chance I would like to perform with Joni Mitchel.”

So how difficult an environment is the music industry for a woman?

“I’ve never encountered a problem and there are so many great female artists emerging right now that you’d have to say the future is pretty bright for female talent.

“However, I do think there is still some work to be done on the behind-the-scenes element of the business, where sadly men greatly outnumber their female counterparts.”

Katie also recently announced her engagement to World Superbike racer James Toseland.

“We got engaged in December but when he asked me I really wasn’t expecting it so it was the best present you could have for Christmas!”

‘Secret Symphony’ is released in the UK on the 5^th March and Katie’s new single ‘Better Than A Dream’ is released the week after.

If you would like to find out more then visit Katie Melua’s website at http://www.katiemelua.com and her new video is featured below:

George R Vaughan

 

Women Talking would like to offer our subscribers the chance to win 1 of 5 copies of Katie’s new album, ‘Secret Symphony’.

To enter, all you need to do is answer the following question:

Name the country of Katie Melua’s birth.

Send your answer to competitions@womentalking.co.uk ensuring you place the words Katie Melua in the subject header and also include your unique Women Talking username with the submission.

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Posted Sun, 02/19/2012 - 19:31 by George Vaughan