Back home

Lots of people in our office still know and love Promise Me. Do you enjoy listening back to your older songs?
"I can finally enjoy listening to the songs I wrote years ago, and I like playing them live too, especially when I hear people singing along."

You are back with the new album Close To Home after a lengthy break from the music industry. Why did you want to get away?
"I took a break for two reasons. Firstly, because I had three children, and secondly, I lost my enthusiasm for music. Too much promotion, I guess."

Did you enjoy focusing solely on family life?
"Being a mum is without doubt the hardest job in the world!"

During this time, in 2005, you were diagnosed with breast cancer. How did you react to the news?
"There's not really a word that describes the way I felt when the nurse said, 'Well, it is cancer'. But I remember exactly my response: bol*ocks! It's a cliché, but being told you have cancer is like being handed a death sentence from out of the blue. I wanted to ask if I was going to die, but didn't have the courage. I just sat there trembling uncontrollably."

What kept you going during treatment?
"Funnily enough, I thought about Kylie Minogue. She was diagnosed shortly after me and I found it comforting to think that she would be going through the same ordeal."

Did your experience act as a spur to get back into music?
"It took me a while to get through the psychological fall out, but experiencing something like this undoubtedly changes your outlook on everything. For me, it just pulled my life into focus and gave me back a sense of urgency."

Of course, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One highlight during this month is Breast Cancer Care's London Fashion Show, where you will be appearing. Why were you keen to take part?
"It's a spectacular event and a real honour for me to be there and show my support for the amazing men and women up on the catwalk. I wanted to do my bit in raising awareness of the effects of the disease, both on individuals and their families and friends, and obviously help raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Care."

You mention the catwalk, what do you think of the models who will be up there?
"They are truly inspirational. It takes a lot of courage to get up there on the runway in front of so many people, but they're proving that you can still look and feel amazing after a breast cancer diagnosis and I know just how far away that can feel at some stages of treatment."

For more information about Breast Cancer Care's Fashion Show, which takes place on October 7 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, please visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/theshow or call 020 7960 3554. Details of Beverley's new album can be found at www.beverleycraven.com

EXTRA, EXTRA... Exclusive to this website, Beverley talks about growing up

Were you always musical as a child?
"I guess so. From as early as I can remember, I wanted to play the piano."

We read you were a talented swimmer. Was there ever a chance you could have been a professional athlete?
"Swimming was a huge part of my early teenage years. I was, and still am, quite a competitive person! But no, I don't think it would ever have been my 'career'. By the time I was 16 there were far more important things (like boys and music) on the agenda."

Was it tough to get a break in the music industry?
"Lots of people told me that making it in the entertainment business was virtually impossible, so I knew it would probably take a long time and certainly wouldn't be easy. The tough part was living on the dole for four and a half years in rented bedsits with no food in the fridge."

Looking back today, how do you reflect on the success of your debut album?
"I'm still surprised that first album did as well as it did! I just wish I could have enjoyed it more."

Did you feel the pressure of expectation after that?
"It had taken me a good six years to write the songs for the album, so the 'pressure' was to come up with another album's worth of material, whilst still promoting the first album and having a newborn to look after."

Is new album Close To Home different from your earlier releases?
"My new album is a real labour of love - like the first!"

Back home

Members Comments

Add a Comment