To call the American singer resilient is an understatement. Anastacia’s first Australian headline tour is in support of the recently released, and aptly titled, Resurrection, which arrives in a time when soulful, organic pop again rules the airwaves. “I always keep an eye out for new artists, new music, and I love it,” she says.“I’m learning everyday about new styles and I just see the competition as healthy. It’s a blessing to be working alongside new talent.”
While 2000’s Not That Kind was a commercial success worldwide, Anastacia’s greatest success was found outside her native US, and particularly pronounced in Australia, where I’m Outta Love was the biggest selling single of the year. “There is always an element of wonderful surprise when an album does well in any territory, not because there is any reason it shouldn’t, but I never take for granted when my music is appreciated. You put so much into making a record, so you just hope people are going to love it,” she says, going on to detail her hard-fought freedoms as an artist. “I’ve always been my own artist operating on my terms. It doesn’t mean I haven’t learnt from various decisions, but I’ve never not done things on my terms.”
After enduring a series of health scares, including putting touring life on hold to undergo a double mastectomy in 2013, one can’t help but infer a literal meaning from the album title Resurrection. “For sure,” she agrees. “More than anything, in every way. I’ve resurrected as an artist, bringing back the real Anastacia sprock music,” she says, referring to her patented sprock (soul-pop-rock) style. “I’ve been resurrected in life too. As a human being I’m more conscious of what I eat, how I live each day, so it’s changed certain priorities. But ultimately I’m just focused on my music, my touring and just resurrecting in that way bigger and better than ever hopefully.”
At this stage of her career, there’s a certain inescapable element of nostalgia for Anastacia’s fan base, which the singer welcomes with open arms. “I always love performing my old hits,” she says. “They are part of me, they are what makes me who I am. There is definitely an element of nostalgia, but only in a good way.”
Since her breakthrough, Anastacia has also been a low-key style role model, who’s evolved her aesthetic over the years and dabbled in fashion lines. “Yes, I’ve always loved exploring with fashion,” she says. “My taste and look has evolved with time, but I’m as into it now as ever and I’m launching some exciting things soon so watch this space.”
As for her remaining goals as an artist, Anastacia aims for lofty heights. “Oh, only to conquer the world,” she proclaims, “and to share my new music with everyone. I love my Australian fans, I love the country so much, I really just can’t wait [to be there].”
BY RICK WICKMAN
