“Being able to do what you want the way you want, that’s success” – Heather Small

Harry Cannell | 31st March 2018

Heather Small first rose to prominence in the early 1990s as the voice of Manchester-based dance band M People. 25 years and a string of top ten hits later, she’s back with a UK tour and a greatest hits album with a twist.

Your new tour is coming to the Academy in Manchester on April 22. M People were formed in Manchester and you’ve called it your spiritual home in the past. How does it feel to return?

It feels like a homecoming, and I always get treated so well there. I did my very first M People gig at the Haçienda, so Manchester has a special place in my heart. We used to love playing the Manchester Arena back in the day. It was always packed, and people were always up for a good time. I’ve memories of it being a joyous, fun time.

What can fans expect from the new tour?

This tour is celebrating [debut single] How Can I Love You More being 25 years old, and me still being able to sing it in the right key! I love the whole live thing, although I do get nervous beforehand. I know I can sing, but live performance isn’t just about singing – if it were, people could just stay at home and listen to their records. It’s about giving people a memorable experience, and my standards are high. I’ve been doing this a while and a lot of the people coming will have seen me before, so you never want to be in a position whereby people are saying the previous performance was better. Every performance should be the best, and that’s the criteria by which I’m working.

Your new album features orchestral reworkings of some of your greatest hits. How did this idea come about?

I’ve sung with orchestras before, and they always add another dimension. Everybody loves an orchestra because there’s a certain magic to listening to one. There’s something about all those hearts beating at once and making music – when they get it right and are simpatico, it’s beautiful. I thought that would go well with my voice and create a new sound.

Of all your hits, do you have a favourite to perform?

That’s a bit like asking who’s my favourite child! I’ve had favourite songs at different times and for different reasons, and it depends on how an audience relate. But of course, Proud has got to be one of my favourites. It was the first song I’d written outside of M People for my own voice, so it will always have a special place in my heart. But How Can I Love You More was essentially our first hit, and then Moving On Up was our biggest hit, so it’s hard to pick a favourite.

You mentioned Proud there. That song was a huge success and has been used countless times in TV and advertising over the years, but do you still feel proud when you hear it?

It’s not so much a sense of pride, but what I feel is that I’d written a song that’s relatable for lots of different people of all age groups and in different scenarios, from churches to school assemblies. What it makes me feel is that I’ve done something that’s brought people together and shows that we’re more alike than we are different. That’s something to hold onto, especially in the times we’re living in now.

You first tasted success back in the late ‘80s with the band Hot House…

Oh, I didn’t have much success with Hot House! I loved the music though. I guess you could say there was some success because we got signed, and being rubberstamped by a third party other than your family is always good!

But then of course along came M People. Was there a particular moment at which you realised you’d made it big?

I think getting a record out there, having people buy it and then being able to make album number two. I made two albums with Hot House, one of which was critically acclaimed, but then the second never saw the light of day because it was cheaper for the record company to pay us off than it would’ve been to release the record. So I thought I was onto something when M People were able to release album two! I was really grateful and really happy.

Some of your hits from your time with M People are still played in nightclubs and on the radio today. How does it feel to know that your music is being enjoyed by a new generation of listeners?

It’s absolutely brilliant. My shows now feel like an inter-generational thing. I’m all about family, so when I see people come to my shows with their children or even grandchildren, that’s fantastic. That’s how you buy into immortality. When I’m gone, my music will still be there, and that’s an amazing feeling. We all want to make our stamp and there are one or two songs that I hope will be played long after I’m gone, and that makes me happy.

You last worked with M People on a greatest hits tour back in 2013. Do you think you’ll ever work with the band again?

I’ll be honest, at this moment I don’t feel the urge. I’m quite happy doing what I’m doing now. I’m 53, and if I want to go on tour then I do, if not then I don’t. Not having to compromise in any way suits me right now. That’s not to say there’s been a horrible situation with the band or anything, but you have to be mindful of the people you’re working with. At the moment I’m happy with the new guys I’m writing and performing with. The writing is not an easy process for me, but I’m loving it. Some of the guys I’m working with are much younger, but their enthusiasm and talent inspire me.

You’ve sold millions of records and won two BRIT awards and the Mercury Prize. What would you like to achieve next?

For me, it’s always been about singing and improving myself vocally and as a performer. That’s why I’m going back on the road, because this is what I enjoy. It’s never been about being rich and famous, it’s about being the best performer and creative person I can be, so I’ll never tire of that. That’s the challenge I’ve set myself. It’s one thing being a music maker, and another being in the music industry. Sometimes being in the music industry can make you hate being a music maker, but I’ve never been in that position. People might think it’s about finances, but being able to do what you want to do the way you want – that’s success.

You’ve probably got one of the most iconic and recognisable voices in pop music. What’s your secret to looking after your voice?

I’m a vegan, I work out, and I still go to vocal lessons – I just look after myself. I have asthma, so keeping healthy is the key to everything. There were times years ago when I would have to take days out of the studio because I just wasn’t well enough to sing. So I made the decision to turn vegan about 26 years ago, and it’s really worked for me. I’m not going to live forever, but the life I live I want to live well. Touring takes it out of you. You have to be physically fit, because every night you have to bring it on stage. I can’t say “Oh I was great last night, sorry you weren’t here then” – it’s my intention to make every night great. It’s a responsibility, but it challenges me. There’s no way I could just stay at home, I love the feeling I get when I’m up there.

What are your plans for after the tour?

Even more singing! I’ve got lots of different festivals coming up, some pride events, I’ll be going around the world, going to the Grand Prix – just singing! Getting out there and enjoying it. Anybody who comes to see the show will know I just love being in the moment, not thinking about anything else but singing those songs to the best of my ability and making sure my audience are having a great time. I want to prove to all those people who have supported me over the years that their support was valid and that they made the right choice. The old girl’s still out there singing, still loving it, and still thanking all her fans for the opportunity!

Heather Small – The Voice of M People comes to Manchester Academy 2 on Sunday 22 April. Click here to buy tickets.

Her new album, Orchestral Greatest Hits, is out in May. Click here to pre-order it.

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