Shaznay Lewis: A New Chapter with ‘Pages’

Twenty years after her solo debut, Shaznay Lewis returns to the music scene with her much-anticipated sophomore album, Pages. The former All Saints member opens up about her journey as a solo artist, reflecting on her past and the future of the iconic girl group.

Revisiting the Solo Journey

Shaznay Lewis, the primary songwriter of All Saints, emerged as a defining voice of the late 90s pop landscape. Following the group’s first breakup in 2001, she released her debut album, Open, which peaked at No.22 on the charts. After a reunion in 2006, the group’s last album, Testament, was released six years ago. Now, she is back with Pages, a 12-track album featuring collaborations with artists like Self-Esteem, Shola Ama, and General Levy.

Finding Inspiration

When asked about the timing of her return, Shaznay admits that it was unexpected. “I never had any intention of doing my own project before,” she explains. The catalyst for her new direction was a song titled “Missiles,” which ignited her desire to embark on a solo venture.

The Evolution of Her Sound

Contrasting Open with Pages

Shaznay describes the creative process behind Pages as stress-free compared to her experience with Open. “When I wrote Open, I had just come out of a band, and there were many external pressures,” she recalls. This time around, there is a sense of growth and maturity in her songwriting, allowing her to feel more confident and focused.

Maturing as a Songwriter

Reflecting on her evolution, Shaznay notes that her approach has shifted significantly over the past two decades. “It’s about not trying to conform,” she states, emphasizing the importance of writing songs that resonate without worrying about industry expectations.

Collaborations and Creative Process

Working with Diverse Artists

On her new album, Shaznay has collaborated with a mix of seasoned artists and newer talents. She believes that the work ethic from her generation differs from that of newer artists. “We don’t do auto-tune; we sing it again and again until we get it right,” she explains. This traditional approach fosters a sense of relaxation when working with peers from her era.

Curating Sounds and Influences

Shaznay had a clear vision for the sound of Pages. From the start, she wanted the album to be lush and soulful, incorporating strings to enhance the emotional depth. She created a playlist of inspirational songs to guide her creative direction.

The Future of All Saints

The Current Status of the Group

When discussing the future of All Saints, Shaznay reflects on her long tenure with the band. She expresses a desire to explore new creative avenues beyond the confines of a girl group. “I just got to a point where I wanted to have different experiences,” she shares, indicating that her decision to pursue a solo career is not necessarily a permanent split from the group.

Confidence in Solo Performance

Shaznay feels more confident in her abilities now than she did at the start of her career. “My mind just feels a lot clearer,” she notes, suggesting that the experience has contributed to her newfound self-assurance in performing solo.

Looking Ahead

The Possibility of Future Albums

With Pages released, Shaznay is excited about her current musical journey. When asked if fans will have to wait another two decades for album number three, she laughs, “Who knows?” She remains open to exploring new musical territories and is enthusiastic about her latest work.

Conclusion

Shaznay Lewis’s return with Pages marks an exciting new chapter in her career. With a fresh perspective and a commitment to authenticity, she is poised to reconnect with fans and carve out her own path in the music industry. As she embraces her solo journey, the future looks bright for this talented artist.

FAQs

1. What is Shaznay Lewis’s new album called?

Shaznay Lewis’s new album is titled Pages.

2. How long has it been since Shaznay released her debut solo album?

It has been 20 years since her debut solo album, Open, was released.

3. Is All Saints officially disbanded?

Shaznay has indicated that she is exploring new creative avenues, but it is unclear whether All Saints is officially disbanded or simply on hiatus.

4. Who are some of the featured artists on Pages?

Featured artists on Pages include Self-Esteem, Shola Ama, and General Levy.

5. What inspired Shaznay to create her new album?

The inspiration for Pages came from a song titled “Missiles,” which motivated her to pursue a solo project.