All Aboard!

TV Hits - July 99

When it comes to releasing hit singles and dating celebs, All Saints win hands down. But do they find this touring lark such a breeze? We hit the road with Shaznay and Mel to find out...

You've just finished your theatre tour - how nervous did you both feel beforehand?

Shaznay I'm never nervous about performing. I don't see how you can be nervous of something you love doing.

Melanie I was a bit nervous. I mean, it's just us so we have no-one to blame for our mistakes. This is the first real tour we've done, but it's what we've been working towards - and we've really enjoyed it. Do we have any pre-stage rituals? No, we just get on there, do our best and hope everyone likes it...

Have there been any mishaps?

Shaznay Yes. One of the dancers, Kevin, went to do the splits and her knocked a light off the stage with his foot - it was hilarious. We were all stood at the side, wetting ourselves 'cos he had to carry on doing his solo.

So have you ever got emotional on stage?

Mel Yes, a couple of times when the curtain's gone up and you see all the fans screaming - it's like, 'Yes, we have got a few people out there that like us!'

How long did you spend rehearsing?

Mel We've been working really hard rehearsing since February. It was quite weird going back after maternity leave, but I was also looking forward to it. Actually, the one good thing about all the hard work was that I managed to lose loads of weights that I put on during my pregnancy!

How long does it take you to get ready before each show?

Shaznay (laughing) Forever. Usually about two hours. We have to do our vocal warm ups, after we've done our hair and make-up - we have to make sure we look our best, you know!

Nic and Nat have a reputation for dancing on tables and partying - what about you two?

Mel We haven't really been partying - it's been more about having drinks back at the hotel. Plus, I haven't been out for ages - I'm a mother now, you know! How is Lilly Ella? She's lovely - I just love her and I want at least another 25! Would I be able to cope? (laughing) Oh yes, no problem!

Shaznay We'll have an after tour party which should be a lot of fun, though. Will I dance on tables then? Hmm, who knows, but if I do, I won't get caught by the papers! To be honest, I haven't been going out - I've been staying at home with my lover!

The tabloid press haven't been too kind - how do you cope with that?

Mel We ignore it - you have to. It's a bit of a game - you be nice to them and they'll be nice to you. You know, we just don't let it get to us. Most of the stories are untrue, or only have the smallest element of truth to them, so you can't really let them bother you.

Shaznay We've never given an exclusive interview to a tabloid newspaper, but they print what they want to anyway. The best thing to do is keep your mouth shut! It's horrible having to live like that, though. You make a couple of records, become slightly famous and people go out of their way to find out the most stupid things about you.

So there won't be any more stories about you splitting up?

Shaznay Not unless they decide to make it up! I mean, they made up all the rumours about me leaving. You know, some papers said they had time-coded pictures of us arriving at rehearsals at different times. I mean, we live in different places, so of course we'll travel and turn up at different times!

You've been writing material for the new album - tell us about that?

Shaznay I went to America in October to write and it was cool. I met up with some great producers and ended up with six tracks. It was a good learning experience. What's it sound like? It's slightly different from our first album - still pop with an R'n'B feel, but because we've been working with American producers, it's still got the All Saints feel.

Mel Nic and Nat have written a few great songs and I was at home over Christmas writing, so we've got plenty of great materials for the album.

If you could choose anyone to work with on your new album, who'd be the lucky person?

Shaznay Busta Rhymes or Lauryn Hill. We've spoken about working with people amongst ourselves, but we'll have to wait and see what happens. Actually, I'd like to work with Eminem - I think he's brilliant.

Lastly, what does the future hold for All Saints?

Mel When the tour's finished, we'll go back into the studio and finish our album. Hopefully, it'll be out somtime in the autumn, but we'll have a couple of singles beforehand.

Shaznay And hopefully another tour at the end of the year, or failing that, early next year. I don't know about the others, but I'll definitely be going on holiday. There's nothing like a bit of sun to cheer you up! (We couldn't agree more!)