Stacey Jackson is an award-winning singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, TV presenter, author and mother of four. She became an inspiration for stay-at-home mums when she shot to fame, having launched her music career at the age 40! Following the chart success of her debut single, Stacey has gone on to release four albums and over a dozen singles, recorded a track ‘Live It Up’ with legendary rapper Snoop Dogg. Now in her fifties, Stacey is back with a new album ‘Super Woman’, book and tour. We caught up with the London-based songstress to find out more.
Q: We are so excited about the new album release. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind ‘Super Woman’?
SJ: All songs have an eighties vibe – relating back to my time in an authentic eighties girl band in my teens. The messaging is to inspire people to live their best life and follow their dreams. You don’t know till you give it a go! The album is very dance led and I’m working with some of the best DJ’s around the world to have certain tracks remixed for the club scene. Can’t wait to tell you who! All my albums are very dance led – mirroring who I am as a person. Very fun and high energy…they are loved by the dance world, gay community and are also great to work out to.
Q: What’s your favourite track on the album?
SJ: That’s a tough one. The acoustic version of ‘Soldier’ is beautiful and the song has so much meaning for me. I wrote it originally about a gay friend of mine who was facing a tough time “coming out.” It’s an emotionally liberating anthem (the original version of ‘Soldier’ made it to the Top 20 in the World Indie Music Charts and peaked at #7 in the Music Week Pop Chart) but for 2023 we’ve stripped it right back but given it new rich acoustics. The black and white accompanying music video gives a great insight into the recording studio process with stunning behind the scenes footage. The result is a really intimate and emotionally resonant experience, that I am very proud of. The title song to the album ‘Super Woman’ is also incredible and one of my personal favourites.
Q: Can you tell us about your soon to be released book?
SJ: The book is part autobiographical, part fiction. It’s about a woman trying to make it in the music industry, so it does really come from the heart. I had to run it by my kids first as there were so many mentions of life with them in it. They all had their comments but were mostly all OK with it! It’s a very inspiring and fun book that I hope will be well received.
Q: And we hear you have an upcoming album and book tour?
SJ: Yes it all kicks off in March next year till October 2024, I will be playing key dates in London, Brighton, Gay Pride as well as UK and US Festivals. I can’t wait – although I may have to go on beta blockers to help with my anxiety!! As the saying goes if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know! I do thrive on being busy!
“I want to be rocking when I’m 80!”
Stacey Jackson
Q: What was it like recording with the legendary Snoop Dogg?
SJ: Being with Snoop was an experience in itself, it was really great that he agreed to rap on my track ‘Live It Up’ – he believed in what I was doing and he got to know what I was about. He got the whole, “OK, it’s time to leave the PTA mum thing… you’ve been there, done that …now it’s time for you to live your dream!” We really bonded as have kids the same age and he’s a real family guy. We still stay in touch.
Q: How do you juggle being a mum to 4 kids with your illustrious music career?
SJ: Well it takes a village! Luckily my mum flies over to help with the kids when I need her and my husband is wonderful and supportive. There is also a 12-year age gap between my oldest and youngest kids, so the older ones help out and muck in when they can. I can’t believe my eldest is 28!
Q: They must be so proud of your achievements?
SJ: Yes they are. I think it’s especially good for my youngest and only girl for her to see her mother live her dreams.
Q: Fitness also plays a huge part in your life, can you tell our readers more?
SJ: Yeah, I just love the gym and I really find solace in doing aerobics. It’s habitual for me just like brushing my teeth. I also launched my own patented workout top called ‘Staefit’ a few years ago which sold really well on home shopping channels. I created it to tackle issues women may have while working out finding the right support as it has a built in bra. It’s something I may revive in the future but right now I’m concentrating on the new album and book.
Q: And you’ve also had a top TV career, being a presenter on your own show?
SJ: I wrote and recorded 54 episodes of ‘Stacey Jackson in the 80’s’ which was a music TV series on Sky TV. I loved it – it was the pinnacle of my career. I have since been approached to appear on reality TV series ‘The Real Housewives’ but that’s not something I would really consider doing as I don’t want to talk about my family and it’s all about the really personal stuff on those TV shows.
Q: And how do you like living in London?
SJ: I just love it although I am travelling a lot so I have to 1 week to 2 weeks per month where I am not in the UK. I always love coming back to my Chelsea home though! When my family and I first moved to London 25 years ago we wanted to start supporting a football team and became season ticket holders for Chelsea, so we are all mad Chelsea fans. We even named our malti-poo (maltese crossed with a poodle) Frank Lampard. When the real Chelsea player Frank lived in London he had one the same that we’d always see out on walks! Our malti-poo Frankie as we call him features in this cover shoot, and is the most adorable dog, hope he likes his new claim to fame!
Stacey Jackson’s new album ‘Super Woman’ is out on all good music platforrms and www.staceyjackson.comearly 2024 and single ‘Soldier’ from the album is out now.
Photo Credit: Earl Santos
