Strictly Come Singing

Alesha Dixon has a lot of tags to her name ”“ singer-songwriter, model, dancer, television personality, activist and philanthropist ”“ but what brought her to India recently was her music; she performed at the GQ Awards in Mumbai, her first performance in India.

The English singer-songwriter, earlier known for her work as part of the R&B/garage girl group Mis-Teeq, is celebrating 10 years in the music industry with the release of her third solo album The Entertainer. The first single from the album, ”˜Drummer Boy,’ was released recently, a track the singer is very excited about. “”˜Drummer Boy’ was a song I was attracted to because of the infectious drum line,” says Dixon. “Drums are the heart and soul of the band and when I first heard it I thought, ”˜Wow, this could make an incredible live show’.” The song, a raucous, percussive romp, also drew the singer to it because she felt it was very empowering for women. “I think that as women we are sensitive beings, we are vulnerable, but we are also very strong. And I just wanted a song that showed that side of me as well. It’s quite tongue in cheek and in your face and I like a lot of noise and energy and I think ”˜Drummer Boy’ gives me that lyrically.” The album, which is due for release in the UK this month, will also be released in India, but “not on this side of the year,” says the singer. “I think it’s very important when you put a record out in another country that you can physically be there. I’m planning a little tour for it and I’ve collaborated with Jay Sean on one song so it’s going to be released here one hundred per cent.”

In her career after splitting from Mis-Teeq, Dixon had a tumultuous few years when she was dropped by her label when her first solo album didn’t do as well as expected. However she bounced back into the limelight after participating and winning popular dance show Strictly Come Dancing, also propelling her musical career. Now a recognised music celebrity, Dixon says, “I guess, adapting to doing things on your own when you come out of a girl group has been the biggest change for me. I was in Mis-Teeq for eight years and it took me a little time to find my voice, find my feet in the hit-and-miss music industry, but I found it and I feel I’m in a really good place right now,” says the singer.