13 June 2003 1314SST - 0800GMT

TOP OF THE POPS INTERVIEWS EMMA

UK (TOP OF THE POPS) - Emma was recently at Top Of The
Pops performing her new single Free Me. She also had
an interview on the show where she talk about her
brand new single, her love life, and plans ahead.

TOTP: Tell us about the new single Emma...
Emma: Well, it's called 'Free Me' and I'm really
excited about it. It's all about being able to love
someone the way you want to love them, and not having
to play games any more. I worked with a great
producer, Mike Peadon, from The Chimes. It's one of
those songs that give you goose bumps, because the
strings are live.

TOTP: It's certainly a very classy song Emma. The
video is sexy and you've come back with a very sexy
image too. Has Baby Spice grown up now?
Emma: I'd like to think so! I'm 27 now and I've
experienced a lot. I've just spent some quality time
out too. I went on a few holidays with my girlfriends
and stuff like that. It's meant that I've been able to
come back with a more grown-up album. Even though the
video is a little bit sexy, it felt very natural for
me to do. I'm really pleased with it.

TOTP: You've written some of your own material on this
album too haven't you?
Emma: Oh yeah! I write all the lyrics and melodies,
and I've become a lot more confident with knowing what
I want from the studio. It feels like my album,
because of all the input I've had. I've enjoyed every
part of it. When I get up on stage now and sing a song
from the album, it really comes from the heart. I
think fans can pick up on that as well. It's my music
now, so I feel even more passionate about it!


TOTP: So, have you dropped your surname now?
Emma: No, it's my name! It's just got my first name on
the album, I know, but I'm not dropping my surname.

TOTP: The papers are constantly speculating about you
and your love life. You've recently been seen in a
photo with Justin Timberlake too. Any truth in these
rumours?
Emma: There's always rumours! At the moment I'm single
and really enjoying it. I have great girlfriends and
I'm enjoying just spending quality time with them and
having a good laugh. I'm at the age when I want to
concentrate on my career and music. I'm just having a
ball right now.

TOTP: Are you a fan of Justin?
Emma: I am, yes! [Grinning from ear to ear!] His music
is great!

TOTP: Do all these rumours bug you though?
Emma: Well, the press is a part of the job really.
I've come to realise that if I go out for a meal or to
a bar, I have to expect to get papped! If I want to
avoid it, then I'll stay at home and chill out with
friends.

TOTP: When you were with the Spice Girls, there was
five of you in the eye of any media storm. Is it
harder for you now you're a solo artist?
Emma: Obviously, the press will focus even more on the
smaller things, like how I'm looking or what I'm
wearing. I feel like I've achieved so much. I'm really
happy where I am at the moment.

TOTP: You're always going to be linked with the Spice
Girls, but what have you enjoyed the most?
Emma: I've loved both! Being in a band was really good
fun, but as a solo artist I'm able to challenge myself
more and put more of me into the songs. I do feel very
lucky that I was a part of such an amazing band and
equally as happy with the fact that I've had the
chance to go on from that and be a solo artist. It's
not easy!

TOTP: Do you still see the girls? Who are you closest
to?
Emma: I do still see the girls. I see Mel C quite a
lot, because she's my neighbour. I also see Mel B,
because I'm a big fan of Phoenix and I love her to
bits. I speak to Victoria on the phone, but I don't
see Geri as much as I'd like to. Obviously, she's
doing her own thing in America. We've all been through
so much together, that we do all support one another.
We know one another inside-out.

Interview transcript courtesy of BBC's Top Of the Pops
News compiled by Spice Girls Asia News Team

=====
Spice Girls Asia. The Asian Insights Into The Spice Girls.
http://www.spicegirlsasia.cjb.net

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