Electro and techno artist and 80s underground disco diva Nancy Nova has returned with her new album, Tour De Force. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
The album features 16 self-penned tracks, blending new compositions with revamped versions of her singles, plus two covers - Abba's The Winner Takes It All and Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush.
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The daughter of TV and radio presenter Bob Holness of tv quiz show Blockbusters, Nancy began her career with aspirations in acting, training at the National Youth Theatre and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
However, her passion for music soon took centre stage and she was a founding member of the group Toto Coelo, known for their hit I Eat Cannibals, before she signed a solo deal with EMI in the 1980s.
However, she had her first chart success in 1976 as a songwriter for Jesse Green’s single Flip which reached No. 26 on the UK charts. Her career includes performing on Top of the Pops, with Jesse Green and writing songs for artists as diverse as AC/DC, Cleo Laine and Lena Zavaroni.
Speaking about her new album, she says, "Having been an 80’s underground disco diva, I’ve noticed a renewed love for this genre. Now is the perfect time to release my never-before-heard album, perfect for lovers of vintage electro.
"Tour De Force is a celebration of that vibrant era, featuring 16 tracks, including hit singles and fresh interpretations of timeless classics."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm an 80s Disco diva. I'm passionate about my art. I have four beautiful sons, who have sensible jobs : )
How would you describe your music?
My music on this album is electro, dance in production. But I have been known to skid off-piste to all kinds of genre and styles.
Who are your musical inspirations?
That's a difficult one to answer, as I’m sure I’ve been inspired by many artists subconsciously. I do like quirky (David Bowie, Laurie Anderson, Kate Bush) but I also love the beautiful voices of Karen Carpenter, Dusty Springfield, Bobby Gentry, David Gates, Colin Blundstone . . . could go on. Whether these Artists have influenced me, I don't know but, every time I hear a song I love, I feel inspired.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Oh my. .The Monkees at Wembley. My father took me and my Sister. I bought a sticker of them and put it on my Patent handbag. When i came out of the venue, my ears were ringing and i didn't understand why & my throat was sore from all the screaming for David.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The Album Tracks 'n Grooves by Cliff Richard. I went to Debenhams in Harrow in London, on the bus and carried it home in a brown paper bag. I was so excited.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I'm actually finding Robert Palmer's back catalogue rather sexy at the moment, but my favourite song just now is Tom Waits’ This One's From The Heart, by Claire Martin and my friend Charlie Wood. Spine Chilling.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I think it has to be Alfie by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. "What's it all about . . . " My sentiments exactly; what IS it all about? That's a question I’ve been asking myself all my life. Hal puts it so beautifully.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin. However, tomorrow I might change my mind. Nothing I say is ever set in stone!
Where can people find your music/more information?
Just Google, it's all there or contact me: [email protected].
Alan Corr
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