INTERVIEWER: Shaznay, let’s start with your earliest musical memory. What’s the first song you remember hearing?
Shaznay Lewis: That would be Bob Marley’s ‘Waiting in Vain’. We played a lot of Bob Marley in the house when I was a child, and his records were the first songs I would play on the record player and practice singing along to. He was a big part of my childhood. His music was always around, filling our home with warmth and spirit.
INTERVIEWER: Speaking of your childhood, Madonna played a significant role in your early musical journey, didn’t she?
Shaznay: Absolutely. I remember going to the Our Price record store – or somewhere like that – and picking up Like A Virgin. That song was a big deal when it came out; all the kids were talking about it. Madonna is iconic. She was a big part of my childhood. I actually went to watch her recently at The O2, and it brought back so many memories of when I first started listening to music and radio as a kid.
INTERVIEWER: You mentioned having a close connection with New Kids On The Block during your school days. Can you tell us more about that?
Shaznay: Oh, definitely! My best friend from primary school and I went to different secondary schools, which was a big deal back then. She got into Bros, and I was into New Kids On The Block. Bros was one of the first concerts before New Kids On The Block came to the UK. She wanted to prepare me, so she got me these bottle top parts to put on my shoes, which was a big Bros thing. It’s funny thinking back to how much those little things mattered to us at the time.
INTERVIEWER: What song can’t you get out of your head right now?
Shaznay: Right now, it’s ‘Back on 74’ by Jungle. I love their latest album, Volcano, but that song in particular just sticks with me. It’s such a sweet melodic tune, and I find myself humming it a lot. It’s got this irresistible groove that I just can’t shake.
INTERVIEWER: Is there a song you wish you’d written?
Shaznay: Definitely. I’d say Vampire Weekend’s ‘Sunflower’ featuring Steve Lacy. I was actually a latecomer to that track. I met Ezra Koenig and his wife at a friend’s place once, and I didn’t know who he was at first, but they were so interesting. Afterward, I dove into Vampire Weekend’s music and became obsessed with ‘Sunflower’. It’s so cleverly written, and the vibe is just perfect. That’s a song I wish had come from my pen.
INTERVIEWER: What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Shaznay: Oh, it has to be New Kids On The Block’s ‘You Got It (The Right Stuff)’. There’s a particular routine that goes with it, and honestly, if I’m doing karaoke, I’m probably really drunk! Usually, there are a few friends from my generation, and we all scream when that song comes on. We fight for the mic and spread out to do the dance routine while singing it. It’s always the best night ever when that happens.
INTERVIEWER: What song makes you want to dance?
Shaznay: ‘It Takes Two’ by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock. I’m a hip-hop girl at heart, and I went to so many hip-hop nights at warehouses and clubs when this song was huge in the late ‘80s. It’s still a timeless track that makes me dance like it’s 1988 all over again. That beat is infectious; it just gets you moving.
INTERVIEWER: Are there any songs you can no longer listen to?
Shaznay: Some of the old All Saints stuff is hard for me to revisit, more from a critical point of view. Whether it’s the production or the way some songs were written, I just can’t listen to them now. As chaotic as it all was back then, I don’t think enough time was put into certain tracks. The perfectionist in me now wishes I could have paid more attention to the details, but we were just so busy and all over the place.
INTERVIEWER: Have you thought about the song you’d want played at your funeral?
Shaznay: I have, actually. I was thinking about this recently and went on my phone to see if I’d written anything down. I have! It’s ‘Rock of Ages’, the Christian hymn. It’s obviously a very well-known hymn, and I’d want it sung by a soulful Christian choir. It’s such a beautiful song that references both life and death. For now, that’s the one I’d choose, though it could change.
INTERVIEWER: Your new single ‘Good Mourning’ features Shola Ama and General Levy. How did that collaboration come about?
Shaznay: I’ve always admired both Shola and General Levy, so when the opportunity arose to work with them, it felt natural. ‘Good Mourning’ is a track that needed voices with depth and soul, and they brought that in spades. It was a special experience, and I think you can feel that in the song.
INTERVIEWER: Your new album Pages is coming out on May 17, and you’ll be performing your first solo show in 20 years at London’s Jazz Cafe on May 14. How are you feeling about that?
Shaznay: I’m excited, nervous, all of it! It’s been a long time since I’ve done a solo show, but I feel ready. Pages is an album I’ve put my heart into, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. The Jazz Cafe is such an iconic venue, and it feels like the perfect place to make my return to the stage.
INTERVIEWER: We can’t wait to hear the new album and see you live. Thanks for sharing your story and the music that’s shaped your life.
Shaznay: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.