Cleo, singer songwriter

Tell us what you do for a living?

I’m a singer and songwriter

Can you describe what that involves?

It involves a lot actually, apart from singing, performing etc you have to be a business woman. You have to have meetings with people who don’t get your vision and be able to stand your ground.

What do you enjoy about your job?

Probably performing, I love singing so much. I like the fact that I can do what I want I want to do and not what I have to do. It’s also nice that my kids like what I am doing.

Is there anything you do not enjoy?

When people see your face a lot they can think that you’re their property and can always be in your face. And the fact that guys can get annoying and always come up to you but I think most girls can relate to that

Can you describe what a day in your job might be?

Wake up extra early because I have to get the kids ready for school. And then it’s straight on the phone to the office and then a couple of interviews probably. After 12, if I’m performing then I spend my time rehearsing especially if I have dancers. I only take about 1/2 hour to get ready and then I go to the show and maybe do some more interviews after that. No day is the same though in this business.

What hours do you work?

There isn’t a set time but I do have to be ready at a drop of a button in case of interviews or coming down to London. There are no regular hours.

How much do you earn or what is your salary?

It ranges from anything really depending on the year.

How long have you been working in this area?

Professionally since 1997, so 10 years.

Can you tell us how you got to where you are?

Me and my sisters started out entertaining everyone who came to our house but because we were natural entertainers everyone said we should get together. Then Warners and EMI publishing signed us and that is how I got to where I am now.

Can you tell us about your education to date?

I was a bright child at school, I got all A’s in high school and my favourite subject was Maths.
I didn’t get a chance to do my GCSE’s whilst I was in Cleopatra but right now I’m doing the equivalent to a Maths GCSE, I am on level 1 and will be moving on to level 2 soon.

Can you tell us about any training you have sought/received?

I’ve had a vocal coach because I need help with my breathing and control but nothing else really.

Have you learnt any new skills whilst doing this job? If yes, please tell us what they are.

No but I would like to learn some new skills. I’d like to learn microphone stand skills because that looks so cool. I’m not the greatest dancer, so I’d like to get better and do more stuff.

Did you come across any problems getting this job?

Yes, there weren’t a lot of doors open to an artist who has been there before even though I was in a group. It was hard to try and clean up my image in the industry as the people around me previously had given us a bad image.

Looking back, would you choose the same job again? If no, what would you choose if you could start again?

No, I wouldn’t. I enjoy it but looking back I would’ve chosen something simpler. I wanted to finish my education and I wanted to be an architect and a dentist. But being a singer in this age you can do things later in life.

Thinking about your personal experience, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow a similar career path?

Be positive and know what you want will come to you even if it takes time. Practice and work on your trade, sing everywhere and don’t give up. But don’t be to serious though, have a laugh and enjoy it

Do you have an aspiration/goal for your future career?

I’d like to have my first number 1 album, receive a Brit Award and I’d love to work with Quincy Jones. I also want to write something for a heavy metal band and have a huge world tour because I have never had one. I want to work with U2, Coldplay and Klaxons as well.

How will you try and get there?

A lot of hard work and good songs! After my 2nd album I want to tour and after the 3rd album I’ll do a world tour.

How long do you think it will take you?

Not sure really but hopefully only a few years maybe 5. I have to work hard and stay focused and not get down when things don’t go to plan so we’ll see.