Last year, Anastacia has released a new album, Heavy Rotation. The 40 years old singer is on tour, with her exceptional voice, and this Thursday she will perform here in Lithuania.
Before the concert, the singer was interviewed for Lietuvos Rytui.
Ram�nas Zilnys: This week you come for the first time to Lithuania. What do you associate to this country?
Anastacia: The wonderful people who, hopefully, will come to the concert. It is the most important thing.
Ram�nas Zilnys: The music is a family thing. Is it why you became a singer?
Anastacia: My parents are both singers. But, when I was young I really thought that I couldn’t follow this job. They seriously tried to make me a singer, a popular one.
Ram�nas Zilnys: Which artists from the scene inspired you?
Anastacia: Since my early age I love Elton John.
Ram�nas Zilnys: You spent many years, before being popular, singing in pubs and at parties. You were really focused in the artistic world. You never thought about searching for another job?
Anastacia: Absolutely, I even said to myself if I didn’t get a professional job as a singer or dancer in the next six months I would give up of my family dreams. And the funny thing is I got an opportunity when were just two months remaining before the deadline. MTV called me and invited me to appear in one of their shows.
Ram�nas Zilnys: When you became famous some people said you voice was similar to cats. Did it bother you?
Anastacia: No, I don’t even remember those descriptions. However my voice is compared to the famous singers Aretha Franklin or Chaka Khan. For me that’s a huge honor.
Ram�nas Zilnys: The song Boom., which was 2002's FIFA World Cup official song, became an anthem for the fans of that sport. Are you in love with soccer as they are were in love with your song?
Anastacia: Yes, I love that sport! Of course, my passion for soccer is mainly because of my British husband, and you know how the men live for sport in his homeland. It’s impossible to get soccer off of my mind!
Ram�nas Zilnys: Your fans are amazed by your vocal capabilities. Are there any songs which are hard for you to sing?
Anastacia: Probably there is. But I only sing what I can do perfectly.
Ram�nas Zilnys: The music business is criticized constantly but after all that is an important thing. What do you dislike in your label?
Anastacia: Actually I try to not criticize anything. I’m always, or at least I try, to be fair. It’s important to keep the respect since the music business generates money and it has its rules. This is a challenging world so each creator has to find the way to make everything goes well.
Ram�nas Zilnys: You have experienced a number of serious health problems. What helped you recover and return to the scene?
Anastacia: In fact I’m a fighter by nature. Life challenges you and that’s an unique opportunity to learn something new and grow as a person. So we must fight.
Ram�nas Zilnys: Breast cancer appeared when you getting to the top. What was the worst thing about it and what treatment did you had for that before backing to the scene?
Anastacia: I had to have treatment, for a long time, to get my voice back - I couldn’t hit some notes. I remember that period as a terrible one.
Ram�nas Zilnys: One British tabloid alleged you find music annoying and you hate it. Is this a joke?
Anastacia: I never said such thing! For me, that interview was distorted. I only said after a gig I don’t listen to music since I find it funnier to watch a movie or television.
Ram�nas Zilnys: So, like a mechanic, after a long day of work, when you return home, you don’t want to repair your own machine, correct?
Anastacia: I love, love, and once again love music. It is always by my side and that’s what makes me realize this is not just a dream. I really sing!
Ram�nas Zilnys: When you started a career, your label requested you to hide your real age, so you had pretend you were a few years younger. Now, that we all know your truly age, does it seem stupid to you?
Anastacia: I am very happy that my current label, the Universal group, to tell the truth. However, this is a common problem for other singers - for some reason it’s considered that singers whose start a career with an age over 25 years old aren’t well acclaimed by the public. I'd rather speak the truth.
Ram�nas Zilnys: Your new album Heavy Rotation, presented in Vilnius with a gig, didn’t receive much attention from your older fans. Did it happen because of lack of advertising?
Anastacia: I know it sounds quiet different from my previous records and it had some impact. But, on the other hand, the whole world is in a deep economic crisis. My management team did everything they could, but they saw their potential also reduced. I’m very proud of this album and this tour that we prepared. I hope this tour helps me to spread the word about my new songs.
Ram�nas Zilnys: Which songs do you like to perform the most?
Anastacia: When I perform ballads I get goose bumps, just because I find it really pleasant.
Ram�nas Zilnys: You sang for celebrities in the past, like Arnold Schwarzenegger who asked you to sing the same song seven times. Does he remember that?
Anastacia: No! (laughs)
Ram�nas Zilnys: You designed your own fashion line and created a fragrance under your name. How did you feel working outside of music business?
Anastacia: I was very happy to have the opportunity to work between two different businesses. It was like a musical vacation. When you work hardly in something, that something will flourish for sure.
Ram�nas Zilnys: You sang with many different artists. Which of them take some time off to work on your friendship?
Anastacia: Elton John, without a doubt. I’m very glad he does that!
Ram�nas Zilnys: What’s your recipe for a good party?
Anastacia: A great dinner in good restaurant, then a cocktail in a romantic bar. Of course, if you are married it’s better to do that your fianc�e… At home you can do something different: invite your friends for a dinner and then watch a movie together. It’s nothing special I know.
Ram�nas Zilnys: You already sold millions of records, performed in big venues and you wrote some hits. Do you still keep that ambition?
Anastacia: To be honest no. I believe my fate is about smiling and be happy with what I have.
