Emma Bunton - a.k.a Baby Spice

By: Dominick A. Miserandino

In the United States, people know Emma Bunton as Baby Spice, however in the UK, the situation is a bit different. Now she’s showing the world what she can do with her recent release of “Free Me”, she’s re-introducing herself over here.

DM) You have quite a bit of a bossa-nova/60s feel on the latest album. How did that come about?

EB) It was inspired by that era. I got a chance to go to Brazil to shoot my first video. I always loved Latin music, and while I was there I listened to some old 60s albums and was really impressed by them. The thing that was unusual from a current pop album was that all of the musicians came in, and we recorded everything live. In addition, I wrote the lyrics, so it was much more personal.
DM) Was it more of a challenge to record it live in the studio than having overdubs? EB) Oh, it was a lot of fun, learning bass and mucking around with everybody. It was a real amazing experience.

DM) It seemed geared towards an older audience than the Spice Girls stuff.

EB) I met the girls ten years ago when I was 18. Since then I’ve grown up a lot and traveled the world. I think it sounds older because I’ve grown up naturally. There’s still a lot of fun on there, but it’s a bit more serious.
DM) Have your fans grown up with you? EB) Yes, which is amazing. I’ve still got the Spice fans that’ve come with me, plus I have the new fans. I was out for lunch with some girlfriends. And there was a table near us with guys in their 30s singing the songs. It crosses the board, where I have younger children and older guys singing our songs.

DM) You’ve been in the public light since the Spice Girls. Do you ever get tired of it? EB) In the UK it’s different because you have lots of paparazzi. I’ve found that when I’m away, like in the US, I find it easier to go shopping. I was just out in New York and LA, and I had the most amazing time just hanging out, and it was lovely.

DM) Why do you think there’s such a different fan reaction in the UK versus the US? EB) I think fans are very similar, but the press is very different. In the UK we have so many celebrity magazines, and they want pictures both good and bad. Even thought the US has that, it’s not as bad as in the UK. When I came over to the US it was so lovely to see fans outside of the hotel.

DM) In doing my research nearly every title of the recent articles were titled, “Baby Spice All Grown Up”. In fact, I found dozens with that title. Do you see it that way too? EB) I completely understand it. Especially in the US, people haven’t seen me since the Spice Girls. In the UK, people have seen me on the television and have watched me grow. Since they’ve not seen me in the US since the spice girls, they see a big difference. After hearing the album and seeing more of me, they’ll see where I’m at now. That all said, I’ve been really lucky. The press has been really positive. Even though in the UK, if I go out to a bar or restaurant, I know I’ll be photographed. I’ve been in the public eye for so long, and it’s just something that happens.

DM) Is it a price of success? The more successful you are, the more you get that focus? EB) For me now, I realize that this is people’s jobs, this is what they have to do. Of course people want to see more of you the more famous you become. I like to think, especially in the UK that people are getting to know me for my music and not just the paparazzi. I try to be private. I have a private life with friends and family. It’s all whether you choose that life. I think lately people are getting to know for me my music.
DM) Do you think in the UK people are getting to know you more for Emma than Baby Spice? EB) Absolutely. I can’t remember the last time somebody here in the UK called me Baby. It’s something that I loved to be a part of. I’ve never been negative. It’s given me the opportunity to do what I’m doing today. I feel very lucky to have been a part of that. In the US, they’ve not always seen me, but I’ve always loved being in the US. The last time I was there, I called my mum and said, “Let’s get an apartment here.” I’m really looking forward to people here getting to know me again.

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