It’s a hazy spring morning in late May, and British pop’s original ‘it girl’ Louise is just hours away from discovering where her critically acclaimed fifth solo record ‘Confessions’ has landed on the Official UK Album chart…
“Everything about this moment, this album, and this music feels special,” a clearly content Louise says with a smile. “Almost to the point where I don’t care if nobody else likes it, because I do! I believe in it more than any other project I’ve ever worked on. So no matter where it charts, or how many copies it sells, I know I’ve made a record that I will always be proud of… and after over 30 years of navigating my way through this industry, it feels good to say that!”
Now a bonafide veteran in the world of pop, it was back in 1993 when a then 18-year-old Louise Nurding from Lewisham in southeast London first burst onto the international music scene as as one-fourth of British R&B girl band Eternal. Famous for their edgy, urban style, gospel-tinged harmonies and era-defining hits – including ‘Stay’, ‘Just A Step From Heaven’ and ‘Oh Baby I…’ – the group became the first all-female act to sell over a million copies of an album in the UK with their 1993 debut, ‘Always & Forever’.
After deciding to leave the band in 1995, Louise went on to enjoy phenomenal success as a solo artist, her seamless transition from “ex Eternal star” to tantalising live performer, and musical femme fatale, placing her at the forefront of the pop explosion that dominated culture in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Louise ‘Naked’ (Official Music Video)
Following her reintroduction to music in early 2019, with the release of her coming-of-age album ‘Heavy Love’ – which spawned the hits ‘Stretch’, ‘Lead Me On’ and ‘Not The Same’ – Louise has continuously pushed boundaries, defied critics, and marched to the beat of her own drum, creating music that serves as a brutally honest reflection of the powerful woman she has become.
Marking a bold and personal evolution in her musical journey, the singers latest offering ‘Confessions’ finds her in a place of reclamation, embracing new sounds and vibrant sonic flavours to create an innovative, and fresh pop-dance inspired soundscape, shaped in collaboration with a team of top writers and producers including Jon Shave (Charli XCX), Anya Jones(Sugababes), MNEK (FLO), Karen Poole (Kylie Minogue), Tre Jean-Marie (Mabel), Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud), and Hannah Robinson (Goldfrapp).
Rich in a wealth of well-written, emotionally astute pop bangers, the record is more of a forward looking declaration of reinvention and intent than a comeback album or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with an empowered Louise sounding more confident and self-assured than ever, eschewing trends in favour of creating a space that feels authentic and bold.
Louise ‘Confessions’
As she basks in the glory of the moment, Louise confesses all to CelebMix about the album, and reveals why she’s no longer interested in playing it safe…
It’s been five years now since the release of your last studio album “Heavy Love” – a deeply personal collection of 12 emotionally charged tracks, that saw you blend contemporary pop sounds with incredibly raw, vulnerable lyrics. But that was then, and this now… how would you describe this new era of ‘Louise: The Recording Artist’?
I’d say this my… “I’m doing things my way” era (laughs). I have a bit more of a “I don’t give a fuck” attitude nowadays, which means I’ve become more open to taking risks, and doing things that I maybe wouldn’t have had the confidence to do in the past. Why? Oh God, why not? I think I’ve reached a stage in my life where I just want to do what I want to do, and make music that I love, and be happy… regardless of what anyone else thinks about me! I’m not sure I’ve ever really had the conviction to be this way before, but I back myself more now than I ever have, and I think that’s reflected in my work.
You’re giving independent woman feeling liberated and free vibes…
(Laughs) do you think? That’s nice to hear! Listen, it’s not that I wasn’t feeling that way before, or that I wasn’t ever happy, because obviously I was. I just think taking a bit of a risk, and seeing this album through to completion, has left me feeling braver than ever! Things really feel to have fallen into place for me in the last couple of years, and I’d say the catalyst for that actually was writing new material for the Greatest Hits in 2023. That whole time period was a really positive experience for me, because it made me realise just how much I love songwriting, and creating, working with new, upcoming producers, and being a part of an industry that’s always changing and evolving. That whole project really got me excited about the idea of making new music again.
So when you stepped back into the studio to begin work on what was to become the album we all now know as “Confessions”, did you set any creative expectations for yourself, or have any specific goals that you wanted to reach?
When I first started having conversations about doing a new album, I was very clear about the fact that I only wanted to go back into the studio if it was to create music that was progressive, and in-keeping with what’s happening now. I really didn’t want to do anything that felt nostalgic, or like I was just rehashing what I’d done in the 90s, so I was definitely keen to experiment with different sounds, and try new things both musically and lyrically.
With that in mind, did you feel like you had to distance yourself from the music you’ve made in the past in order to ensure that you were always creating something new?
No, I don’t think so… I’m not sure I’ve ever really thought that way actually. It’s always nice to reference the era you were once a part of, but only if it’s done in a way that feels innovative and evolved. The music I wrote for the Greatest Hits album was, I guess, deliberately written as a way to bridge the gap between then and now. After putting out songs like ‘Super Magic’, and ‘High Hopes’, and then those reimagined versions of my previous singles, I really wanted to step things up and not play it so safe. That meant going out of my comfort zone, and consciously trying new things! And so because of that, I don’t think there was ever any danger of me creating anything similar to what I’d done in the past. As well, I think my fans wanted me to do something different this time around too, and personally, I liked the idea of people who weren’t necessarily fans of mine in the past, listening to this music and thinking: “okay, I’ve maybe not really paid much attention to her before, but these are some bloody good pop songs, let me listen some more!” So those two things also pushed me to keep things sounding fresh and new.
In general, how do you balance your own creative vision, with what you think your audience might want to hear from you?
Do you know what, for the first time in my career, I really tried to not think about anybody else’s opinions, or take on board what other people thought I should be doing. Of course I always want to make music that my fans will enjoy, having them love what I do is very important to me and I care deeply about what they think. But like I said before, I’ve reached a point in my career where I need to put myself first, and do what I want to do… I think I’ve earned the right!
Was that quite a new way of working for you?
Compared to how we used to do things back in the day? Yes, absolutely! And I think that’s because in 90s and the early 2000s, the music industry was in such a different place – it was all about finding the bangers, the radio friendly ‘hits’, and following whatever formula was performing well on the charts because if you didn’t tick at least one of those boxes, chances are your record wouldn’t sell and then you wouldn’t get to make another one. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that way of working, it was great for me, and I had a lot of success, but I think audiences expect more artists nowadays – they want something a little more raw, and real. So I’d say from ‘Heavy Love’ onwards, I’ve gone more with my gut and tried to make music that is a little more authentic, and reflective of who I am and where I’m at in my life.
Your list of collaborators on this album reads like a who’s who of who’s hot in pop right now! How did it feel, 30+ years into your career, to be entering rooms with writers and producers at the top of their game?
Oh it felt amazing! The people I worked with on this album are the absolute best in the business! They’re wining GRAMMY’s, breaking records and making music with some of the biggest artists in the world. I’d be sitting there some days watching them work, thinking to myself: “these people are actual geniuses” (laughs). I back my own ability, and I trust my instincts in knowing what works for me and doesn’t, but they really pushed me to go to places I never thought I could. And because of that we developed a level of trust, that allowed us to throw all expectations out of the window, and break all of the rules!
Talk to me about the creation and composition of these songs… from a production point of view did you follow a set formula that then dictated the writing process? Or did you find your creativity flowed better by not working to such a rigid structure?
I think in the beginning it was important for us to just connect as people, and get to know each other on a personal level. Working with new writers and producers can be daunting, because you’re basically strangers, so to walk into a room and get straight into it is sometimes scary. Musically we spent a period of time experimenting with different sounds until we connected with a style that we all really felt like we could run with. And lyrically it was just all about the vibe we were each feeling on the day. It probably sounds cliché, but all of these songs came about very organically, we honestly didn’t really have a set way of working, our whole thing was to just see what happened…
It takes a lot of courage to put pen to paper, and be vulnerable in song. How comfortable were you in openly expressing your feelings and emotions this time around?
Do you know what? I was very comfortable! Opening up wasn’t an issue for me at all, and I think that’s because I was writing about how I felt, and saying what I wanted to say, meaning it wasn’t about anyone else but me. I have to say, there are some fab lyrics on this album! They’re clever, cheeky, sassy and light-hearted, but also quite introspective too. They flow easily, and have an element of poetry to them which I love. That’s testament to the incredible lyricists I worked with. They very cleverly took everything I was saying in all of our daily chats, and turned them into the songs you hear on the album. So because of that, these tracks are definitely the most personal and honest I’ve ever written… there’s nothing on the record that I wouldn’t have said to a friend over a cup of tea (laughs).
Do you always like to write from reality, and real life experience, or do you have the ability to write from imagination too?
I’m a really reactive songwriter, so a lot of the concepts I come up with are reflective of whatever moment I’m in. That’s not to say there’s not an element of fantasy in some of my songs, it’s always good to write something that provides a little bit of escapism for me and whoever’s listening. But in general, because I always want to come from a place of authenticity, so majority of the lyrics I write are all born out of my own lived experience.
As we’ve already established, the nature of the lyrics on the album are incredibly personal, but you deliver them in such a subtle way that they never feel too heavy or jarring – was that a conscious decision on your part?
I think it’s important to say how you feel and write from your heart, and then deliver a song in a way that feels right for you. The tracks on this album work on so many different levels, and because of that, people can interoperate them in any way they want, which I think is great! If you want to dance, and forget about your troubles then you can hit play and do just that. But at the same time, if you want to go a little deeper, and listen to the lyrics and be a bit more in your feelings, there’s the opportunity for you to do that too.
The albums title track “Confession” is a perfect example of that!
It’s such a fun, cheeky song isn’t it? It just oozes confidence, and sass… it’s like the ultimate self-love anthem that we all need right? I know I do, because despite what you might see or read, I really don’t walk around loving myself all the time – trust me (laughs). From the feedback I’ve been getting, it’s become something that gives people permission to love themselves, and be who they are, and do what they want to do, without caring about anybody else’s opinion! Which I LOVE! I always say, if you can have one hour a day of feeling good about yourself and not caring about what others think of you, then you’re winning!
On the flip side, we have a song like “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, which is perhaps you at your most vulnerable…
Yeah, you’re right! I remember when we’d finished writing it, and everyone was looking around the room saying: “wow that was a lot wasn’t it – how are we all feeling?” The lyrics to that song are quite heavy, but they’re honest, and they represent a part of my story that I wanted to tell. It felt right to be that vulnerable and truthful, and I hope people can take something away from it.
“Manifesting” is one song in-particular that seems to have really resonated with people! Are we heading into a summer of manifestation do you think?
(Laughs) that would be fun wouldn’t it? Again, that song is such a vibe! It’s very playful and tongue in cheek, but serious in the sense that I was putting it out into the universe, and speaking aloud all of the things I look for in a partner, and I think we should all be doing that! Don’t ever settle for less than you deserve.
Louise ‘Manifesting’
2025 marks 30 years since the launch of your solo career, and the subsequent release of your debut solo single “Light Of Life”. So much about the music industry has changed in that time, but I wonder, has your attitude, and feeling you get surrounding the release of new music changed at all?
Yeah, I think it has. How have I felt when I’ve put new music out in the past? Nervous, excited, maybe a little anxious… or sometimes a lot anxious (laughs). But because, like you say, the industry is so different now compared to how it was when I first started out, us artists are working to a different set of standards, so now it’s maybe not so much about that first week chart position or how well it “performs” on paper. Don’t get me wrong, selling records is important, and a good chart position is always nice because you carry that with you and it can help propel you forward, but there are other factors at play, and other pressures to consider now, like streaming and socials and… TikTok (laughs).
I guess no matter how daunting, the love for what you do surely outweighs any fear?
That’s exactly right! And I’d say that’s true with this album, because there’s a sense of ease I feel with it coming out, that I’ve never quite experienced before, which makes the whole process of releasing new music more fun!
How do you think you define success now?
For me it’s all about changing attitudes and perceptions. As a pop artist, and as a female in this industry, it can sometimes feel like you’re always fighting for a seat at the table. So to have my peers, people in the industry and members of the public come up to me say: “Lou, you’ve made a bloody great album, well done”, honestly means the world to me! Not because I need the validation, or the ego boost… I mean it’s nice don’t get me wrong (laughs) but for someone like me, who’s been doing this for such a long time, trust me when I say, I have no ego left! It’s more about the fact that I’ve risen up through the ranks, and therefore seen and experienced all that this industry has to offer – good and bad. But when it comes down to it, I just love music and songwriting – it’s who I am, it’s what makes me tick. So to feel that sincerity from people… yeah, that feels like success to me now.
In 2000 you released “2 Faced” – the ultimate clap-back to the haters and detractors of this world. 25 years on, it can sometimes feel like their voices are louder than ever! How do you deal with negative energy at this point in your life and career?
I honestly have no time for it! I know I’m not going to please some people, or being everyone’s cup of tea, and I’m fine with that, so I don’t pay any attention to them. But to those who feel the need to criticise or say horrible things about me, I will say this… it’s very simple, if you don’t like me, don’t look at me! And if you don’t like my music, don’t listen to it!
YES LOUISE! One thing that people have always been drawn to is your honesty and authenticity…
Ah thank you, I really appreciate you saying that! I’m quite a considered person, and I pride myself on only doing things that feel authentic and real. Whether that be working with the team at Peacocks, or collaborating with Nivea, there has to be a genuine connection there for me to participate, otherwise it doesn’t sit right with me. I’m not a take the money and run kind of girl, I genuinely want to be involved in all aspects of my work, and create long-term relationships with brands and charities. I also want to grow and evolve with my audience. They’ve stood by me forever, so I would never do anything that would risk jeopardising the relationship I have with them.
You have an army of people behind you, rooting you on and willing you to win! After all these years, what does the support of your audience mean to you as you embark upon this new era?
Oh… absolutely everything! I mean, how do I even begin to say thank you to them? Without my audience, I can’t keep making music! Without their support I can’t do something that I genuinely, genuinely love. They ride with me, and I feel all of their well wishes and goodwill, to the point where I just don’t have the words. So wherever this albums ends up, or whatever I do next, I thank them for sticking by me, and for always showing up for me. This music is for me, and it’s for them, and nobody can take that away from us.
‘Confessions’ is available now in multiple formats and bundles.
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