‘I don’t know what I’ll be up to next week’
Charlotte Church acts on impulse; young and sincere, she insists that while she has, so far, sold 8 million records, shared the stage with Placido Domingo and the London Symphony Orchestra and appeared live with Larry King recently, her life has not changed at all. She also does not hide the fact that she enjoys spending time on her PlayStation, reading Harry Potter’s adventures, as well as listening to Robbie Williams and the Spice Girls. How mature is a 15-year-old girl who never travels without her mother? Judging from her photos, she looks at least 25. The following conversation took place over the phone, as Church was checking in, going through passport control and boarding the plane. Hello, Charlotte. Are you psychologically ready to get on the plane? I’m trying not to think about the fact that I’m just about to fly from New York to Los Angeles. And what about the flight to Athens? I’m not worried about that. How did you decide on the program you will be presenting on October 29? I want to present Enchantment, my new and fourth album so far in my career, to the Greek public. It includes Celtic, folklore, pop and classical tunes, together with well-known Broadway hits. Can the public expect to hear a live version of the album? The live performance will not be perfect, at least on the production side. The mood, however, will be the same. A studio recording and a live performance are never comparable. How do you feel these days, given that the world has changed? My relationship with music changes every time something extraordinary happens. Following the September 11 events, I performed in my hometown, in Cardiff. I felt I had to do something for the victims. I would do the same, however, for the children of Afghanistan. What makes you nervous? Do you have any insecurities, any fears? I don’t think so. If there is one thing out there that you truly wish to experience, but are afraid to do so, you should never let anything or anyone get in your way. I learnt to accept challenges. I never get stage fright before my performances, I’m not afraid of flying; the only thing which scares me is failure. What if Enchantment does not become the success you and your record company expect it to be? Of course I want to sell millions of copies. If, however, I succeed in bringing joy even to one listener, then I’ll feel it was worth it. You are too young to worry about the future. I know that you live for the moment. What are your thoughts right now? Because of my age, I don’t want to rush into anything. I think about every day, not about the future. I live for today. I don’t know what I’ll be up to next week, or in 10 years’ time for that matter. The only thing I’ve learnt so far is that we only live once.
