Interview: Faye Tozer
Steps celebrate the remarkable feat of 20 years in the business, riding high in the iTunes charts with their single ‘Scared Of The Dark’, and embarking on a 22-date tour. Faye Tozer talks to Victoria Nangle about it all
Hi Faye, congratulations on your 20th anniversary of the band forming! What advice would you give yourselves that were starting out in 1997, using the wisdom you’ve gained since?
Thank you! I think we’d all like to be able to tell our 20 year old selves to relax and enjoy it more and not take it all so seriously.
How are you finding it, coming back together again – rehearsing, singing, dancing?
It’s brilliant. We’re all having a great time. We’re all fit and in good voice. Lisa’s broken arm has healed now and she’s back on form with all the moves again! Lol! And we’ve just got our heads around the new ‘Scared Of The Dark’ choreography for everyone to learn!
Why do you think that we have become so scared of change?
I think people have always been scared of it. Dickens thought that trains were the work of the devil.
It’s an impressive career to be able to look back on – touring with Britney Spears, being Brit award winners, scoring hit songs internationally. In the entire time so far of Steps, what are you most proud of achieving, and what are your strongest memories of it?
I think you’ve just named the top three biggest highlights of our initial time in Steps!
More recently when we re-united in 2011 there was a really special moment when we were about to go on stage for the opening night of the Ultimate Arena tour. We were mic’ed up and in costume and nervous and just laughing because we couldn’t believe that we were about to do it all again! It was brilliant and incredible. We feel really lucky. And we’re back and ready to make new memories here in phase three! We’re all making sacrifices and putting maximum effort into making this work and enjoying it. I’m very proud of us all.
What do you think will connect with listeners of your new album ‘Tears On The Dancefloor’?
I’m so excited to see what everyone thinks of our brand new album. Having played it to close family and friends, everyone has a different favourite track and they’ve all said how impressed they are. I think we’ve achieved a mature Steps sound but kept the essence of what we’ve always been about. We have the bittersweet lyrics and drama to sing your heart out to and the beats to entice you all back to the dancefloor!
Which is your favourite dance step that accompanies a particular chart hit of the band’s and why?
I’ve always been a big fan of the ‘Deeper Shade Of Blue’ choreography. It’s really simple and effective! A classic chorus tag line!
What good things make your ‘Heartbeat’ skip?
My little boy makes my ‘Heartbeat’ skip. He’s my biggest achievement and never ceases to amaze me. He’s funny and clever and I’m really proud of him.
What small mishap always makes you overreact, as if it’s a ‘Tragedy’?
When I get on the early train and realise I’ve left the heating on!
Your outfits were always pretty impressive. Will you be getting them out again for the tour? Which were your favourite ones?
We love getting creative with our costumes for tour. We’ve had so much fun – the infamous long red coats and devil horns, the Moulin Rouge-esque finale on the Gold tour, the black and white Ultimate tour opening costume. We are in meetings at the moment with our stylist Frank Strachan who is full of amazing and crazy ideas. Can’t wait!
Finally, what is the best thing about being 20 years older now?
This time around we have control of the reigns, and a fantastic team looking after us. We can soak it up and enjoy the ride while being content in ourselves and enjoying a cocktail or two together!
Steps (+ special guests Vengaboys), Brighton Centre, Thursday 23 November 2017, 6.30pm, from £44.60
