There are singers all round the globe that unleash a worthy listen, an enjoyable song and a memorable sound. There are very few singers in the universe who embed that utterly unique tone you instantly, undoubtedly recognise. That captivating, spine tingling, soulful, big voice that warrants a superstar status.
ANASTACIA IS
JUST THIS.
A SUPERSTAR.
‘Resurrection’. A strong and interesting word. It is the translation of her name in Greek. It is description of something that is re-born. ‘Resurrection’ is fittingly the title of her sixth studio album. Anastacia has been on a long journey both in life and with her career in music. Sometimes you have to lose your way to find yourself again, overcome challenges, experiment, but if you’re focused enough you’ll find your way back. You’ll resurrect everything that went off track. If anyone knows how to find their inner strength, focus and not give up, it’s Anastacia.
For anyone who doesn’t know the challenges Anastacia has faced, there have been a few. It was just recently in April 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the 2nd time in her life 10 years after her first battle. Some would have crumbled, fallen at this hurdle but Anastacia refused to let it get the better of her.
“THE BIG ‘C’ HAS A DARK CLOUD, PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY THINK DEATH. I DIDN’T.”
In the back of her mind she knew this day might come, so as much as one can never really prepare themselves for such news, she researched her options and was certain of her plan. Not a light decision to say the least, but she was to undergo a double mastectomy and rid her breast cancer once and for all. This process would be intense and require ‘time out’ for recovery, but until the day of the operation she found solace in writing a journal of songs. A cathartic approach, something to focus on. She was ready to find herself again, speak out to the world through her music, her resurrection.
Her personal changes and challenges went hand in hand with the hurdles occurring in the music industry. A world that has taken a beating but fought back. No one can live without music. No one can live without the fight to survive. Everyone faces challenges and writing this album was Anastacia’s opportunity to share her experiences and turn them into words of encouragement.
“SOMETIMES I WONDER IF MY PURPOSE ON THIS EARTH IS TO BE A ROLE MODEL. LOOK AT MY CHALLENGES AS A GIFT, AND MY VOICE AS TOOL.”
The day Anastacia found out she had cancer again she had just arrived at the studio with writer/ producer Jamie Hartman. The phone rang, she simply listened, solemnly nodding and absorbing the shattering news. Not an easy thing to hear. Jamie, shocked of course instantly instructed her to go home. You can imagine the baffled look of disbelief across his face when Anastacia broke her silence and looked up at him:
“Are you kidding me? No way am l going home, lets write a damn song!”
…and so they did!
“I WASN’T PLANNING ON GOING ANYWHERE. NOT FROM THAT SESSION AND CERTAINLY NOT FROM LIFE.”
That was the day the song ‘Stay’ was born. The first chapter of her road to recovery.
Wow. What a song. A pure transition from the up-tempo tracks you’ll have been bobbing your head to, a fine example of how this album taps into every emotion with the perfect balance.
“The music industry has changed immensely since l started out and l’m only just now really learning how to change with it.”
In 2000 Anastacia had her first hit with ‘l’m Outta Love’ which became the biggest selling single of the year from her first studio album ‘Not That Kind’. She went on to thrive success with a further 6 studio albums that threw her into that very superstar status we talk of, having sold over 30 million records to date.
15 years after her breakout hit, Anastacia will released her ‘Ultimate Collection’ on November 6th. The ‘Collection’ sees the superstar return to her native label home of Sony Music, the label that were instrumental in catapulting Anastacia to global stardom, where she debuted and released her breakout smash hits including ‘I’m Outta Love’, ‘Left Outide Alone’ and ‘Paid My Dues’. The album also includes her new single ‘Take This Chance’.
On reuniting with Sony and her ‘Ultimate Collection’, Anastacia says, “I feel so blessed and humbled to be experiencing this exciting next chapter of my life. The idea for my 'Ultimate Collection' is to include something for everyone. I'm eternally grateful to be reunited with Sony, the record label that made all of this possible from day one. 15 years later I'm back, I'm home and I couldn't be happier”.
From then till now, she has lived, learnt and reflected.
And found her again you most certainly did.
Anastacia, welcome back!
Following the album release, Anastacia made several TV appearances, events and announced the duet with Spanish band, Auryn, called "Who's Loving You" and an European Tour, named 'The Ultimate Collection Tour'.
Then in 2017, another album – another tour! After a successful two leg ‘Ultimate Collection’ tour in 2016 and 2017 Anastacia has also been on stage in 2018/19, touring throughout Europe, where she performed her new album ‘Evolution’.
At the end of 2019, Anastacia made her musical debut in the role of the Killer Queen in the legendary Queen musical 'We Will Rock You'.
To be continued...