Ready to shine again

Vanessa Amorosi is stepping into the spotlight once again with a fresh musical direction and an altered attitude to life. New tattoos, a ballsy rock sound and a mega-tough attitude are all part of her new, more mature persona.

The new single Kiss Your Mama is in stores 8 September. It’s a song about respecting your elders because, Amorosi says, if you don’t respect your parents she’s going to whip your ass.

Kiss Your Mama is about respecting your parents or I won’t respect you. It’s a really tongue-in-cheek, funny song, she said.

Having already sold more than 1.3 million albums around the world and penning songs for a bunch of other artists, Amorosi is hoping her new album Somewhere In the Real World, to be released in October, will put her back on the top of the charts.

It’s a very diverse album. There are soul ballads, more rock tracks and groove-orientated stuff and funk in it as well, she said.

It’s typical of my songwriting and I took my time in making sure I have great songs and really analysed what I was doing.

Her favourite track on the album is 19 Turning Point.

I was about 19 when my brain turned on and I started to understand what I was doing and what I wanted to do, she said.

It happens for everybody -“ when you become an adult and there’s no one holding your hand.

Amorosi said her new tattoo, a symbol from an American Indian tribe, was a reflection of her belief in various new age religions and a sign of harmony.

After performing at Mardi Gras in 2001, her love for the gay community has only grown.

I love them. I’m glad you all appreciate me and support a woman who has ambitions and is strong, she said.

Mardi Gras was amazing. I stayed for the march and was so inspired by all the happy and fun people.

Details: www.vanessaamorosi.com.