Melanie Smith : Ahead of Times

One of the Spice Girl, Melanie Smith aka Melani C gives her candid opinion on music, fashion and moreover on Spice Girls rumors ahead of her performance at Dubai’s Blended Music Festival, and even the so – called Spice Girls reunion. The Sporty Spice Girl will be performing at the Blended Music Festival on 20th Apr, 2018 alongside the Backstreet Boys.

On Her Performance At The Forthcoming Blended Music Festival In Dubai
We’ve got a 45 minute timeslot for the Dubai show, which is nice, because we can do a really punchy set, we can get loads of hits in there. I’ve had a long career and made loads of records, so there’s lots of songs I want to play, even spanning back to mid – 90’s. We have a really fun set we would like to do for shows like this. We’ll probably do something similar that we do for festivals in UK.

On Her Throwing Some Spice Girls Hits Of 90’s Phase In The Blended Music Festival
That sounds about right! We’re going into rehearsals soon, and we’ve been talking over some songs we think could work really well, so we’ll throw together a fun show for everyone.

On Her Performing On The Same Bill As The Backstreet Boys
It has been a long time since we first met the Backstreet Boys back in 90’s. Our paths crossed a lot in Germany, because both bands were really big over there, and we spent a lot of time doing TV shows and big live performances out there. In fact, I think once we even shared a dressing room! They’re really lovely guys and I’m looking forward to catching up with them.

On Backstreet Boys Campaigning On Social Media For A Joint Backstreet Boys And Spice Girls tour
Of course I know there are a lot of people that want to see Spice Girls back on stage together, and it would be a wonderful thing. But it’s not something that is planned to happen in near future.

On Her Being A Style Icon And Some Of Her Older Fashion Choices?
Absolutely, I think everybody does. But the wonderful thing about fashion is that, at the time you think you look great, and then there’s this whole period of time where you’re like ‘what was I thinking?’ But then after two decades, it looks great again! The 90’s is having a big resurgence, so I’m like ‘I’m ahead of my time’.

On Her Most Memorable Solo Concert Ever
That’s a good one. I have been so fortunate in my solo career. I’ve even played some territories that Spice Girls never got to. Even Dubai! I’ve made it down to Australia. I was in Brazil and Mexico last year, places where Spice Girls never performed live. So it’s been nice to do things that I haven’t done with the girls.

On Her Previous Visits To Dubai And Her Experience On Seeing Some Of UAE’s Sights & Sounds
I was in Dubai many years ago. These trips were always quite brief. But like a lot of people in UK, we love coming back to Dubai because the weather is glorious, and you have lovely restaurants. You know you’re going to have a sophisticated time, whether it’s dining, or parting, or just generally being looked after. So as you can tell, I’m very much looking forward to getting back out there.

On Her Plans On Doing Some Sightseeing This Time Around
I hope so. The trip is a little bit longer this time. With these things, you’re always dashing off to next thing, but I think I have an extra day. I’ll have to do a little bit of research of what’s fun to do. Maybe someone can help me out?

On Her Last Album “Version Of Me” And Also Her Plans For A New Release
Yes, it’s going very well and I’m very excited. I’m working with a fantastic producer and having a lot of fun in the studio. I can’t say too much at the moment, I’m keeping my cards close to my chest. But it’s something I hope to release later this year. All I can say it’s going to be a different “Version Of Me”. As everyone knows I like to jump from one thing to the next. It’s very musical, not like a musical theater, but it has a real musicality to it. I’m working with a respected producer and I think it’ll be a nice surprise that people will enjoy.

On Her Plans Of Turning DJ
Being a lover of music, I’ve always quite fancied it. Somebody approached me to see if I’d want to do it, and I thought, ‘you know what, I’ll give it a try’. It’s been really fun figuring out what I want to play and how I want to be as a DJ. And that era of music is really relevant to me, and there were so many great styles in the 90’s. So I’ve been working on a 90’s set, which is great, because it kind of spans dance music, more poppy stuff right through to clubby hard – core house & Britpop. It’s been fun getting the dynamic of the set together, so that’s what I’ve been working on. My first DJ gig is in Paris very soon. I’m nervous obviously, but if it goes well, I’ll hopefully do a lot more in future. It’s really fun and it is also like another additional string to my musical bow.

On Her Comparison With Paris Hilton
Oh! I too can do it, I am pretty sure I will do just fine.

On Her Being Quiet On The Social Media Platforms Of Late
I had a really busy year last year, and this year I’ve been in the studio with the new album. I just wanted to take a break and give myself a little bit of a breather from the social media platforms. I sometimes find it a bit time consuming. I just wanted to step away for a little bit and come back fresh when I’m ready to start promoting my new work.

On Her Latest Rumors About The Spice Girls Reunion
It’s absolutely fine. I know people are curious, and no step of the way have we wanted to mislead the people. We have come together, and we’re back with our previous manager Simon Fuller, and we are looking at opportunities. Animation is something we’ve talked about, an animated movie, a TV shows potentially, nothing reality, and this isn’t something that’s been discussed. And then, of course, the potential of performing together at some point. All of this is super early days; it’s still very much at the discussion stage. But it’s just really nice for us all to be back together, to kind of be under one roof. The Spice Girls legacy is so important to us. We just want to be positive and continue to inspire, not only young women, but people in general.