Anastacia, the singer known for her powerful voice and the genre 'sprock' (a fusion of soul, pop, and rock), says performing for her fans makes her feel sexy. The star, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album 'Not That Kind', explained that going on stage is still a thrill in more ways than one.
"I have to raise my level as a performer. It's like, 'Okay, I have to give more'. Sometimes I even feel a little sexier... I don't know if it's because the crowd are all so incredible, but I always think, 'oh, I have to boost my hotness'," Anastacia said.
Enduring Hits and Fan Loyalty
Anastacia's songs have remained popular, and she still loves singing them. "I know there are artists who say, 'I have to sing that song again...' and I'm the complete opposite: 'Bring back Left Outside Alone, bring back I'm Outta Love, bring back Not That Kind'," she said.
Reflecting on her career, she added: "I'm in the 26th year of the Not That Kind album, and I'm so proud of that time, proud of my fans and their loyalty. It's an honour to still be able to do this after all this time."
Anastacia noted that her connection with fans has deepened over the years. "Before it was different; now it's like we've known each other for a long time. Even if it's the first time someone's seen me live, I feel a familiarity, like we're already part of each other's lives. And that means those songs can't feel the same as they did at the beginning… and I don't want them to."
Upcoming UK Tour and Musical Journey
Anastacia recently wowed the Isle Of Wight Festival ahead of a run of solo dates in September, where she will be digging deeper into her catalogue. She described her show as a journey: "There's a funk part, soul, then a section of ballads that also becomes acoustic, then rock, and a total party part. It's like an emotional rollercoaster: sentimental moments, intense themes, reflective songs."
Music as Therapy and Overcoming Adversity
Anastacia, who has overcome serious health issues including two bouts of cancer, said music is her therapy. "I've always had an optimistic outlook. I know there are problems, that things are difficult, but I try not to dwell on them. If you focus too much on the negative, you let it win," she said.
"I prefer to live in the present, to enjoy the moment. Music is my therapy. Writing songs, sharing them, and seeing other people connect with them... it makes you feel like you're not alone. There's a kind of unity in that."
Unique Voice and New Music
Anastacia's voice is a unique instrument, sometimes growling, sometimes purring, and she can sound like multiple vocalists in one song. "I feel very grateful because what was initially a difficulty—not sounding like anyone else—is now what defines my career. Nobody wanted to sign me because I didn't look or sound like other artists," she laughed. "Now, with just two notes, people know it's me. And that's something a singer can only hope for. I'm glad they let me be myself within my career."
She is writing new music and feels excited about the future. "Yes, I'm writing again and I'm very excited. I have songs and things to say. It's a very important moment in my career and, interestingly, what I'm writing now is joyful, fun, it has optimism even when it touches on difficult topics."
Admiration for RAYE
Anastacia also praised UK star RAYE: "She's so unique, she blends soul, jazz, big band, and hip-hop in a very special way. It's something we haven't heard before, even deeper. She's very much herself, and I love that."
