"When Tampax offered to sponsor my tour I had trouble convincing the record company – they thought it might be ‘career damaging’."
We may be eternally twelve, but our favourite decade for music was the 90s, in particular a range of compilations subtly titled All Woman. On them you’d find all the biggest hits from the female artists around like Tasmin Archer, Belinda Carlisle, Lisa Loeb, Annie Lennox, Lisa Stansfield, Oleta Adams, Anita Baker….you see where we’re headed. All stellar artists. It was basically Lilith Fair on your stereo.
But perhaps the QUEEN of these compilations was Beverley Craven. Famous for hits such as ‘Promise Me’, ‘Holding On’ & ‘Woman to Woman’, she was one of Loverboy’s favourites. She kind of stumbled after her first album but we were still there for her. So when we got to interview her it was the definition of surreal.
Your biog says you struggled after leaving arts college…
Yeah, when I left Art College I was on Unemployment Benefit for four and a half years. I lived in a squat in Camden for a year, slept on people’s sofas and rented the cheapest bedsits I could find, until I signed my record deal at the age of 25. It was a slog, and although there were times when I thought I might give it all up, I realised that, actually, I had no choice; writing songs was just what I did. There was really nothing else. I had no financial security or a place to call my own, but I did have a belief in myself and a dream to make it in the music business.
Lisa Stansfield, Sophie B Hawkins, Tori Amos, Sinead O’Connor. There were so many huge female artists in the 1990s. Were you close with anyone else on the scene?
I didn’t meet any of those artists, although I was good friends with Alison Goldfrapp for a while.
What was the best piece of advice you were given when starting out?
To write my own songs. Publishing is where the money is in the music business.
What was your highlight of the mid-90s?
I was struggling to be a Mum in the mid-90s! Three kids under 5 and two in nappies!! I much prefer teenagers – they’re SO much easier. Playing at the Albert Hall was pretty cool, mind you.
What did you think when you were told your tour was being sponsored by Tampax?
Tambrands approached me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. 😉 I had trouble convincing the record company that it was a good idea – they thought it might be ‘career damaging’. I was up for it from the moment it was suggested!
How do you feel music has changed since 1992?
The best music, for me, will always be a combination of melody, sentiment and groove. I don’t think that ever really changes – just production styles and fashions.
Are you surprised that after such a long time away that you still have such a hardcore fanbase?
I didn’t realise I did have a ‘hardcore fanbase’! That’s excellent. I’d like to play slightly larger venues and be able to afford to use my full band, but right now I don’t make enough money from gigging.
Is there anyone current you listen to now?
I rarely listen to the radio, if I’m being honest. And I don’t download music or buy CDs. Terrible admission, I know, but I’m still in love with 80’s disco!
So are we, don’t worry. What does 2013 hold?
I’m working on a new album at the moment, but my biggest goal is to sell my house, buy my own home, fall in love and live happily ever after.
And finally did you have a crush on Mark Wright when you appeared on Take Me Out?
Mark Wright is very handsome. But the trouble with being 5’9” is that, if I want to wear heels (and I do) then really I need a man who’s at least 6’2”!
