The Ivors Interview - Shaznay Lewis

“I want what I create next to be way past anything I ever thought I was possibly capable of putting together.”

Shaznay Lewis is a multi-award winning singer-songwriter and former member of All Saints. She won the Ivor for PRS Most Performed Work in 2000.

What are your strongest memories of The Ivors?

The atmosphere. I could sense how important it was. I remember feeling it wasn’t like other awards I’d seen on TV – I could tell it meant more than that. My first Ivors was when Never Ever was nominated. I felt a bit gutted I didn’t win! Even though I won lots of awards for that song, The Ivors was the one I really wanted.

What’s the best thing about being a songwriter?

It’s the ability to express yourself. It’s like therapy really. Whatever is pent up inside me, I can blurt a song out and it’s a fantastic release.

How is fame different to how you originally thought it would be?

I thought that fame would only exist whenever I did something out in public, like performing on TV or on stage. It was never something I thought would be carried over into my everyday life. I prefer to only take fame out of my little box when it’s needed and then put it away again. That works for me, and I think it’s what has kept me grounded.

What things make you angriest about the music industry?

That it’s gone so corporate. Gone are the days when talent can develop. Nowadays, there’s no time to nurture and watch someone grow – it has to be a quick win. It’s a shame. In the UK, you’re also expected to be one thing and stay in that box.

In America, it seems a lot of the biggest talents, like Neo and Lady Gaga, were originally songwriters. Here, you’re either a songwriter or artist – you’re not expected to dip in and out.

For me, as a solo project, I’ve also struggled with the visual element. All Saints was a commercial girl group, even if the music was always very cool. But because All Saints were so visual, I’m expected to be the same. I was only comfortable with that visual trend as part of All Saints, not as a solo artist. As a writer, I’d just like to write good songs and let them speak for themselves.

Who would you cast as yourself in a movie about your life?

My daughter, Tiger Lily.

How tricky was it to go from writing songs for four people to writing songs just for yourself?

Writing songs for myself was difficult because I was aware of the fact that I couldn’t hide behInd three other people with my words. The only person that was representing those situations and subjects was me –my honesty was allowing everyone to know what was going on with me.

What is your current musical inspiration and direction?

My current inspiration would be Santogold. I love her and she reminds me of myself. I’m interested in what producers like Labyrinth, Diplo and Major Lazer are doing. Right now, I’m five months in with my second child so my musical direction is on a new journey. I want what I create next to be way past anything I ever thought I was possibly capable of putting together –and have major fun along the way.