21 June 2007
We grabbed a very busy Melanie C last week for a quick Q&A session for this very special 'Carolyna Week'.
Tell us about the single 'Carolyna' and why you chose to release it as a single.
I think there are so many songs on this album that would make great singles, but Carolyna really stands out to me and lots of people had picked it out as a favourite.
Although the track is quite summery, Carolyna's story isn't as upbeat and we're left wondering if she ever gets a happy ending. Can you shed any light on her troubles?
Carolyna has had a really rough start in life, she really needs to escape to find freedom and happiness. I wanted to highlight how running away from home is difficult. Will she ever find happiness? I don't know!
You're being yourself during the performance shots of the video, but in the scenes with Carolyna you're quite haunting but reassuring, what role are you playing?
In the video I like to think of myself as a guardian angel.
What does the hand gesture at the end of the video signify?
The tattoos on my wrists say love and happiness. I think that's what we're all searching for.
'Carolyna' was written with your long serving guitarist Paul Gendler. Whose idea was it to write together after almost 10 years and was the writing process any different?
I've always wanted to get the band more involved creatively. I've written a few songs with Greg and I really enjoy it. Both he and Paul are incredible musicians and know me very well; they know my strengths and our great chemistry stands us in good stead for writing good songs.
It's my first collaboration with Steve Mac too, who I adore. I hope to work with him a lot more in the future.
It's been estimated that you've done over 300 live shows as a solo artist, what's the most fun you've had on tour?
Touring is always fun, exhausting and gruelling but the best time we have, both on and off stage. We never stop laughing. Having a few drinks and making fun of each other after gigs is a great source of entertainment!
Touring and traveling must take its toll, how do you stop going mad or getting bored on long trips?
There really is no time to get bored - I always have something to do. We watch comedies like Blackadder, Shameless and Spinal Tap on the bus, read, have dancing competitions (well me and Greg anyway!). My band and crew keep me sane and if you're bored, sleep!
There are a few festival dates in your summer schedule, have you been to many festivals yourself when you haven't been performing? Any favourite moments?
Isle of Wight is my favourite festival - I recommend it. There is such a lovely atmosphere, really family orientated. I like Reading too but that's a bit more hardcore and messy!!
Playing the Isle of Wight festival this year is my all time best festival moment. Seeing the Chili Peppers from the side of the stage at Reading was pretty cool too. I'm looking forward to seeing the Kaiser Chiefs at Wireless too - they rule!
What are the differences to playing to your home UK crowds to the reaction of your audiences across the rest of Europe?
Audiences are different wherever you go. Aberdeen are quite quiet like Swiss audiences. Italian, Spanish and Portuguese are very noisy!! London is renowned for being tough but all my gigs here have been amazing. I think it's because they are truly international.
Before you got into the Spice Girls, you were on the audition circuit of musical theatre. What do you think about the recent trend in finding new West End stars through TV talent shows such as 'Any Dream Will Do' and 'Grease Is The Word'?
I think it's brilliant to being people back into the West End. With shows like Pop Idol and X Factor it has proved to be the most powerful promotion. I love theatre and British theatre one of the best in the world - we need to support it and help our heritage thrive.
