- Fri, 2002-09-06 08:59
So you think you know Nat and Nic Appleton. Of course you do. For four years, as half of the All Saints, they bombarded world charts with classy pop songs, build a fanbase that bridged generations and sent sales of combat trousers through the roof. They helped make girl groups cool again, and sold six million ablums into the bargain.
When the band imploded two years ago, the sisters saw it as a new start rather than a sad ending. The result is their new band, Appleton.
The girls have spent the past 18 months working on material for their forthcoming album 'Aloud' and their new single 'Fantasy' is out now!
I Like Music caught up with Natalie and Nicole Appleton to discuss their new music, new direction and their lives with two Liams.
''I like music because…it can enhance and make my mood to bring out my day .''Nicole Appleton
ILM: So Fantasy is out now, the first track you recorded for your new album. We love it, can you give us your description of it and it's whole vibe? And, tell us a fantasy that you have?
Natalie: What I feel when I think about it is excited -because it feels like we've been released out of our cage. We've been there for so long, and it's like freedom to do what we want. I mean, we're expressing ourselves so much more now, which has been our fantasy all along.
When people who know us really well have watched the video, they're like 'that's the real you'.
And it's just been a bit more of our attitude - it's about being in control and knowing what you want.
The freedom is like coming out from under water!
ILM: And, tell us a fantasy that you have?
Natalie: Being able to eat loads of junk food without getting fat, where nothing goes on the hips
ILM: You've spent the last year working on the album, Aloud, which contains the kinds of songs you'd listen to yourselves. Was that important for the direction of Appleton?
Natalie: It was just something that happened, it was never planned or premeditated that we'd end up making the kind of music we listen to ourselves. I listened to music and wrote the way I write, and it just reflects more who we are, and I do love it.
It only took about six months to write, it was just the production that took so long. We were lucky this time because everything just seemed to flow, and it worked out really nicely.
It's a lot easier working with my sister and it's nice to have input, because you feel you get more out of it.
I like music because… it takes you places and brings back memories - it's got that power and it's amazing Natalie Appleton
ILM: Considering you sold six millions albums together as the All Saints and that you went through lots of stuff together, do you still see Shaznay or Mel?
Natalie: I saw Shaznay once about nine months ago. I'm sure I will see them again, and if I saw either girls in the street I'd say hello. It's like breaking up from a relationship, you know. Time is a great healer and we're just doing our own thing, and the last thing on my mind is trying to rebuild those bridges right now.
ILM: Does it ever get a bit confusing seeing as you're both with Liam's? [Natalie is married to The Prodigy's Liam Howlett, while Nicole's other half is Oasis's Liam Gallagher].
Natalie: I f*cking hate it, it does my f*cking head. It would be much easier if one of us was going out with someone called John or something. I can't stand it - it pisses me off. It's always which one? Which Liam?
ILM: And how is life treating you outside of music?
Natalie: I'm blessed with the best family in the whole wide world. I've got the best husband and daughter. The work is all a bonus, and my base is so strong. I have to be thankful for the family I've got.
ILM: What's the best thing about having Nic as your sister? And the worst thing?
Natalie: Sometimes I have to sit back because I get so wrapped up in things, and I look at Nic sometimes and I think I love my sister, she makes me laugh and just has sense of humour that nobody else can touch, and it's very special.
ILM: Nic, you've said that things began to fall into place when All Saints ended and you got the demo from Gareth. Was it refreshing to work with someone off the cuff like that and just go along and record in a home studio?
Nicole: Yeah, it was refreshing and it was different, just Nat and I, it was a new start. And it was a refreshing change.
ILM: You wrote a lot of the album yourselves, where do you find is the best place to write songs, and what inspires you, everyday little things or big themes?
Nicole: Sometimes it's easier to do it on your own, because you have all these ideas. Any room where you feel a good vibe is a good place to write.
And it's everyday life things that inspire me.
ILM: 'Hallelujah' is about sibling rivalry. You've got FOUR sisters, what's the worst sibling rivalry moment you two have ever had, and the best 'sister' moment you've had? And do you ever wish you had a brother?
Nicole: For me being the youngest, there was never ever anything that was an issue to cause rivalry between me and my sisters. But for me having hand-me-downs was a bit annoying, but they wore cool clothes, so it didn't really matter.
A snapshot of a great 'sister' moment, would have be Christmas at the family home.
ILM: And do you ever wish you had a brother?
Nicole: No, I'm quite happy. One man in the family's enough.
ILM: You must feel really excited now with your new album out soon and having your own band?
Nicole: It's a really great positive attitude. The band are just as eager as us, and we're all keen to work really hard, so it's great that we've got this affinity and we've got the band that we've got.
It's really exciting and kind of special, especially having our own band. It's just completely different.
ILM: So will Appleton be working with Oasis or The Prodigy anytime soon?
Nicole: You know we've never really discussed it. I'm pretty confident in Nat and I doing our thing, and there's no need for us to think about that. I respect what they do and they respect what we do. We're all doing our own thing, so there's been no talk of that.
ILM: And has motherhood changed your outlook and creativity and how's Gene doing?
Nicole: Being a mum has made me a lot more responsible, it's not just me anymore. But it's also brought me the most joy ever! Nothing beats having this beautiful child look at me and say mum. I get soppy all the time. I know he's going to get away with murder because I'm so in love with him. He's the most beautiful child ever, he's just fantastic!
But I'm not up for writing a song about him just yet, I'm just enjoying him.
ILM: For those who have the wrong impression of Liam - can you tell us how you see him (the real Liam Gallagher)?
Nicole: The real Liam Gallagher is about 5 ft 11... no, he's a really good person. But people don't want to read that. People don't want to read that he's a good husband or how he works hard. People push and push and push him so he reacts, and that's all they want to read.
But he's f*cking great. He's a really lovely genuine guy and he does wear his heart on his sleeve.
ILM: And finally, what does the future hold for Appleton?
Nicole: I just hope this gives us the chance to express ourselves the way Nat and I have always wanted to. And just basically keep going.
ILM: Where's your favourite place on earth?
Natalie: In my bed!
Nicole: In the South of France.
ILM: What is in your CD player right now?
Natalie: One of our songs from our album
Nicole: Just our demos, I think. I haven't really had the chance to listen to music on my own.
