Rebecca Ferguson

Interview by Myles Lockwood

Glamorous singer Rebecca Ferguson has become one of the biggest selling soul artists of our decade and performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the UK. Compared to the likes of Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfeild, she has had 1 million sales of her debut album. Director of Oracle Magazine, Myles Lockwood, caught up with Rebecca to talk about her upcoming album, cover of Billie Holiday’s famous record, “Lady Sings the Blues”

So let’s kick off with your new album “Lady Sings the Blues”. Tell us how you became inspired to make this album and what is it all about?

I studied Billie Holiday when I was at school, and the events that took place in her life have always touched and moved me. Especially how much pain she went through and how she used her voice to get through that period.

So I’ve always been inspired by her life and her music. But when I was

approached by my manager with the idea it was an easy decision for me to make, as I’ve always loved Billie Holiday.

This is your 3rd album release in your career. When is the release date and will there be any show performances to

accompany the release?

The album will be released on March the 9th and there will be shows at St. James Theatre in London. I’m really excited because I will be performing in a room with a real Jazz Style feel to it, so it will be a very up close and personal atmosphere.

The performances will be on the 19th, 20th, and 21st March. More shows are also planned throughout the year.

There are many famous songs on the album, but do you have any favourites?

Oh my, I’ve got lots of favourites but if I have to choose a couple “Get Happy” and “Blue Moon” would be at the top of my list. I love performing them and they have always been favourites of mine.

You’ve had remarkable highs in your career so far, including 1 million sales of your debut album “Heaven”. You’ve also been compared to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield. How do you feel when you’re compared to some of the most iconic singers of our time?

Oh wow! It’s so crazy when you say that, I just don’t think of myself as anything special, certainly not compared to such legends.

Of course I’m flattered, it’s amazing

that people have compared me to such incredible performers but I just don’t think of myself like that, I’m just me (she laughs).

You recorded the album at the famed “Capitol Studios” in Los Angeles, with producer Troy Miller. What was it like working with Troy?

Troy was amazing to work with; I didn’t realise how brilliant and educated he was! We originally started on the songs on a piano and worked on them together every day until we were ready for the studio.

Based on the original Billie Holiday 1952 classic “Lady sings the Blues”, how close is your version to Billie’s?

I didn’t want this album to be a cover of Billie or me trying to imitate Billie, so I wanted to learn the songs. I then

interpreted them in my own way, and then put my own stamp on it which makes the songs current for people listening today.

Let’s go back 5 years to where it all started at the X Factor. What was the turning point that pushed you to go for an audition?

I’d tried lots of times before to get onto the Xfactor at the auditions but had never got anywhere. But this time when I received an email from them asking if I wanted to try out again at the auditions, I almost didn’t go! But I thought… why not, I’ll just go for it, and I went along.

I guess it was a decision that changed your life, a bit like a sliding doors situation?

Yes it really was! (she laughs).

“I was approached by my manager with the idea and as I’ve always loved Billie it was an easy decision for me to make”

When you sang on your first X Factor stage audition “Change is Gonna Come”, it must have felt overwhelming singing live in front of so many people. How did you manage your nerves?

Oh God, I was so nervous, especially performing in front of Simon Cowell. I just tried to lose myself in the music and not think about it. It certainly was difficult, because at that point I had lost all my confidence from the previous knock backs. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I’m really glad I did it.

Looking back, what was the whole X Factor experience like for you?

A whirlwind (she laughs)! It was an amazing experience and all the judges were so lovely.

What’s it like working with Simon Cowell?

Simon is exactly like he is on TV. How he acts, the things that he says, the way he dresses, he’s just like that. With him, what you see is what you get.

Cheryl was your mentor at the time, do you still keep in touch?

I haven’t seen Cheryl since I went back on the X Factor to perform. We have both been so busy with our own projects but she did tweet me Good Luck with the baby which was nice. I see Louis sometimes, I love Louis.

Which artists inspire you the most and who do you enjoy listening to?

I’ve just downloaded Nina Simone’s album which I’m loving. Funny enough, I was just listening to it before this interview (she laughs)! I also like listening to a bit of dance music too.

You’ve been singing from a young age,what age did it all start for you?

I started singing when I was in school, I can’t remember the age but I’ve always sang since I can remember.

Did you start writing songs from a young age?

Yes I’ve been writing songs since I was a little girl. I’ve always preferred to write and perform my own songs.

Billie Holiday had her fair share of turmoil in her life and there has been lots of ups and downs for you as well. Has there ever been a point where you thought I can’t do this anymore?

When you have sung and performed in front of lots of people its hard to give that up. Plus I’ve got lots of loved ones, family and friends that love to see me perform and I just couldn’t ever stop doing that for them.

If you could give one piece of advice for anyone wanting to start a music career what would it be?

Be yourself, never change who you are and sing from your Heart and Soul, but most importantly, just go for it!