“If I can make anyone s day feel better or do something positive with my music to help people, I’m happy” Rebecca Ferguson tells Andy Howells as they discuss Rebecca’s new album Superwoman and her forthcoming concert at St David’s Hall.
The 30-year-old singer-songwriter first shot to fame in 2010 as a finalist in the seventh series of The X Factor. Undeterred by the narrow loss to Matt Cardle, Rebecca released her critically acclaimed debut album Heaven the following year. The follow-up Freedom was also a Top 10 hit, and consolidated her position as one of the most promising young artists in the country.
Her third album, Lady Sings the Blues, tore Rebecca away from any X Factor stereotypes, performing Billie Holliday, jazz standards including Get Happy and All Of Me.” I loved how free my voice was and doing that album was training ground for me because performing jazz has taught me freedom on stage, performing at Ronnie Scott’s and mixing with Jazz crowds. Without Lady Sings The Blues I wouldn’t have written this new album (Superwoman) the way I have, it was great training and discipline”
Her fourth album, Superwoman, is an autobiographical release, forged from her own personal heartbreak of a lover’s abandonment combined with the bittersweet joy of giving birth to his child. However, Superwoman is infused with Rebecca’s own inner strength rather than dwelling on heartbreak and portrays her as stronger, happier and more fearless than ever before.
“You definitely need an outlet when you’re going through bad times,” she says, “I’m lucky I’ve got music to write and express myself with. I feel stronger, there are so many things that came against me, so many trials. I’ve had a successful 6 years it’s been rocky but I’ve done alright I’ve overcome a lot.”
Of her forthcoming shows Rebecca says, “The band that I’ve got are so amazing, we freestyle a lot on stage, which I probably got from the jazz album, whatever happens, happens. I just want people to come and have a really good time it’s a fun show”
- To book tickets for Rebecca Ferguson’s show on November 14, visit http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or call the Box Office on 029 2087 8444.