The sun is shining over Sheffield and many have gathered at Don
Valley Stadium's big screen to cheer on Steel City Olympic darling
Jessica Ennis. Around the corner another Sheffield superstar takes
to the stage. Laura Steel is on a weekend tour around Yorkshire and
her first out of two homecoming gigs sees a field filled with sun
gazing fans bopping their heads to her infectious electro
pop.
Blonde bombshell Laura is looking the rock star part in a little
stripy number, a red leather jacket, aviator shades and a union
jack coloured scarf tied around her head. Singing songs oozing with
sex and flirtation, it is no wonder that this talented lady
attracts a lot of attention.
Once her set is over, Laura is signing autographs and posing for
pictures backstage. People seem to want her attention everywhere
she goes and when I finally get her to myself it strikes me not
just how tall she is (this lady knows how to work her heels) but
how down to earth and genuinely funny she is.
Our interview has been scheduled in a backstage bar but the noise
from fairground attractions and gigs going on outside the press
area are proving a problem. Laura spots a narrow space between two
blue caravans used as dressing rooms for stars like herself and
Lemar playing later on. We squeeze in and get the camera rolling,
standing on bin bags as we get chatting.
In the short but sweet interview (see video below) Laura talks
about the importance of being true to yourself, why writing an
album has taken two years and what her cryptic tattoo really means.
She also opens up about her bisexuality, celebrity crushes on
Eminem and Angelina Jolie and why it is important be a role model
like Jessie J.
As we say goodbye, my bracelet gets caught in Laura's jacket and
there is an awkward moment where it looks like I've gone in for
more than a friendly hug.
"Geez Bella, you could have asked! You've got me all hot now,"
Laura shouts before laughing at my frantic fumbling behind her
back.
Finally disentangled it is with slightly red cheeks that we part
ways. Laura is off to another autograph signing and I head straight
for the ice cream van - someone needs to cool off. We haven't all
got nerves of steel.
@bellaqvist
Download Laura Steel's single "Overdrive" for free from
www.misslaurasteel.com
