Reproduced from Scene Update Newspaper, 1997

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Dundee. I started singing when I was 15,on the weekends.

What kind of stuff were you singing when you started?

All covers with local bands, then I got into session work quite quickly after that. I did backing vocals for people like Simple Minds, Darryl Hall and Mica Paris. That's how it started.

What was your big break?

I don't think I've had it yet. I've had a couple of Top 40 entries a year ago with Sweet Dreams and Do you wanna Party? Apart from that, I've been trying to get a bigger break really.

What's your favourite style of music?

Anything that is 'black' influenced, because I love black music. It's dance at the moment. I also like jazz funk and R'n'B.

What was it like working with Stock & Aitken?

That was pretty good, pretty cool. They're really nice, 'down to earth' guys. I was nervous about meeting them, but they are just like people you would meet in the street. I felt really comfortable. It was fun. They were lovely ... great studio to work in. They're very quick. I think you can tell that by their music because they churn them out so quickly. It only lasted for two singles, although they said they would produce anything in future for me. I've got a solo album to make after this, so maybe Stock & Aitken will produce one of the tracks on that. That would be nice.

Why do you think they have been so successful?

They have a successful formula. They just hit it on the head. They know what the punters want. They catch on to it quick. That's it really.

Do you think it's important to do PAs?

Definately, and most important of all, to sing live. Most singers don't sing live. I would say 99% of the PAs I turn up for, they ask me If I want the mike switched on. I'm like 'What!' So many of these people mime. It's crap. But I really enjoy them.

Do you think it's important to have that interaction with the audience?

That's what it's all about, just getting that feedback. You can tell, even if they are not dancing, if they are liking you. If not, you have to work harder, and thats OK too. If it's a good night, it's just electric. I love it.

What have been your most memorable PAs?

I had one at a gay club in Birmingham called Route 66, when they all just stood still and stared. Then I had an encore, which I could understand. Afterwards the manager came over and said, 'You went over really well.' I said, 'What?' He said that they are always like that with everybody. There's a great little club in Accrington called Africa's. It was fantastic. It was one of those places where they came backstage and wanted my autograph and photos with me. They got a little promo photo from the record company and blew it up to huge dimensions, hung it on the wall and had me sign it. That was great.

What's the best thing about your job?

Singing live and getting to meet lots of nice people. Everyday is different. Every PA is different. You never know what's coming next! ... The new Zero Vu single coming out on the 17th, that was a total fluke. It was a demo that I did in April, supposedly for a club in Japan, and now it's coming out. Things like that happen every day in the record business. Things come back to haunt you or to take you to greater heights. There's always something happening. It's cool and I love being part of it.

What's the bad side of the music scene?

People without any talent making it. People that I know of are miming to some session singer. I'm not going to name anybody but there are usually two in the charts a month. They're going out and making money when it's actually somebody else who's gone out and done all the hard work. I don't like the faulseness of the business. I don't like the ageist element. If you are really young, really cute and can half sing (or even quarter sing), that's all you need. I've also come across a kind of inverted racism, if you like. I've got this voice that sounds like a black woman. There have been a few occasions when people have heard me and said, 'Yeah great is she black?' and when my manager said 'No', that was it. Forget it. That really pisses me off. I think music should be music. The music industry shouldn't be based on how much money you can make off some cute little chick that will come out and show her tits off. Music should just be music.

Plans for the future?

Making a shit hot album. Having a success with the new single, I've got a really good feeling about it and there are loads of good people behind it. I hope it kicks ass and loads of people buy it.