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Life Story
After an incredible five years, Anastacia
has decided to pause, take stock and look back on a time in her life she
could never have imagined in her wildest dreams. From the unimaginable
highs of multi-million selling records to the almost devastating lows of
illness, Anastacia has seen it all since she released her debut album,
'Not That Kind', back in 2000. She has lived, loved, suffered and poured
out her heart and soul on her three albums, but the time now seems right
to start a new phase and discover what life has in store next.
Before she moves on, she has decided to
recap her unbelievable story so far in a stunning greatest hits
collection, 'Pieces Of A Dream'. It is a story that has taken her round
the world, given her the strength to overcome almost any obstacle thrown
in her path and seen Anastacia emerge as one of pop's most respected
performers.
Born in Chicago and raised in New York, Anastacia has been singing as
long as she can remember and spent years performing wherever she could,
wowing everyone who heard her with her spectacular, powerful vocals.
After finally signing with Epic Records, she released her debut
recording, 'Not That Kind', in 2000 and watched it explode throughout
Europe, propelling her to immediate stardom. Her 2002 release, 'Freak Of
Nature', only built on this growing phenomenon and, since then,
Anastacia has sold an incredible 20 million albums worldwide, with 3
million of those in the UK alone.
She has also scored an impressive 12 hit
singles, three of them top ten smash hits, won countless international
awards and completed a major UK tour. With her huge voice and infectious
personality, fans fell in love with her because she was loud, brash and
in your face, but also grounded, passionate and true - something that is
always reflected in her music.
In January of 2003, Anastacia confirmed to the world that she had breast
cancer and for a brief moment it all stopped. Typically, though, she
indicated she would not let it stop her from doing what she loved. Prior
to her surgery, in February 2003, Anastacia appeared on a closed set in
New York, for the filming of 'Love Is A Crime' for the Chicago
Soundtrack and ploughed through the 2-day taping, though the strains of
illness were showing themselves to all around her. During the difficult
months that followed, Anastacia cried, laughed, fought, sang and wrote
with a passion she had never known before. She remained true to her
words to her fans that "her resolve to fight was strong" and
she emerged as the survivor everyone already suspected she was.
In September 2003, Anastacia entered the studio with Grammy-award
winners Glen Ballard, Dallas Austin, and Dave Stewart and began what the
singer referred to as a "difficult creative journey." Warned
by her doctors that she would be physically drained from her treatment
Anastacia stood prepared, as feisty as ever, to fight through whatever
stood in her way. Reality check. "The experience was not
pleasant," said Anastacia. "I usually look for the bright side
of things, but so far nothing about making this record was positive for
me. My doctor told me I'd be tired, not stupid," said Anastacia.
"I could not focus on anything. I'd write a verse and then I
couldn't write the chorus or I'd write the chorus but couldn't write the
bridge. I couldn't talk, I couldn't think straight, I was totally out of
it - the doctor's said I'd be tired - but of course I had insomnia. It
was tough."
Yet, after nearly six months recording, Anastacia released a self-titled
album that entirely reflected the reality of her life's experiences and
the raw emotion that had accompanied every one of them. Affectionately
dubbed 'sprock music' by Anastacia (soul, pop, rock), it showcased a
fresh sound, a greatly matured songwriter and lyricist and more
unforgettable vocal performances that have become Anastacia's signature.
"I wanted to move more towards a rock sound for this record and it
really has added so much to this recording," said the singer.
"The feel of the music, the beat, of many of the songs really has
offset some of the subject matter of the lyrics."
From a straight-ahead rocker like 'Time' to the vocal passion and
inventiveness of tracks such as 'Left Outside Alone' and 'Sick-n-Tired'
to the stirring and poignant sincerity of 'Heavy On My Heart', Anastacia
bared her soul and let her fans into her most personal thoughts. "I
was aware of what I was writing, of what was flowing from my heart and I
was aware that people listening might be reading into the subject matter
of the songs," said Anastacia. "I challenged myself both
lyrically and melodically to stay true to those feelings and at the same
time to use them in a positive way. You see, I need to see life through
rose coloured glasses and while that view might have been clouded at
times while writing some of these songs, I hoped that people would see
that and feel that."
Her fans did not disappoint. 'Anastacia' went on to sell an amazing 1.2
million in the UK and was certified platinum, making it the sixth
biggest selling album of 2004. It led to one of the singer's most busy
and successful years yet, gaining a whole new set of fans along the way
and proving that nothing was going to get in her way.
Now, after such a life-changing period, Anastacia is ready to start a
whole new phase of her career. Her struggles to get a record deal, write
a third album and overcome such horrific illness are behind her and she
is ready to start a new adventure. To mark the change, she plans to
release the ultimate greatest hits collection, 'Pieces Of A Dream'. As
well as all twelve of the singer's hits, it includes four new and
exclusive tracks including compelling forthcoming single, also called
'Pieces Of A Dream', 'In Your Eyes', 'I Belong To You' with Italian
singer Eros Ramazzotti and 'Everything Burns', a duet with Evanescence
front man Ben Moody that featured on the recent soundtrack to
blockbuster The Fantastic Four.
'Pieces Of A Dream' will also feature an exclusive ten minute mega mix
of all Anastacia's hits, while the deluxe two CD version of the album
will include thirteen full length remixes.
It is a fitting summary to an exceptional era in Anastacia's life and an
indication that the world can still expect plenty more from the little
lady with the big, big voice. ~ From
Anastacia Official Site
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