‘MACHINA’ Magazine 
“I’m free like a bird”
Interview with Nelly Furtado Last time in Poland she had bad luck. Her concert in Poznan was interrupted by the rain. I hope this time the weather will be fine and Nelly Furtado’s audience will have fun. Especially she’ll sings mix of her latin hits.
It looks like you new album “Lifestyle’ will be released in autumn. What you gonna sing in Poland?
It will be the 2nd leg of Mi Plan Tour, so I’ll sing “Manos Al Aire”, “Más”, but also a mix of my old songs, even from my first album “Whoa, Nelly!”. It will be super-dance show. If someone had fun on my last concert, for sure won’t be disappointed.
What are you doing now, except from writing new songs?
I’m in New York now, on the set of the video for N.E.R.D’s “Hot’N'Fun”. This song has a great beat, so together with Pharell we could joke around little bit. I love his sense of humour and work with him. Lately I’m very open about collaborations, because I want to be envolved.
You worked with probably everyone – from Kronos Quartet to Tiesto. Doesn’t this interfere with what you do?
I like to disperse in this way. Especially now, when I’m looking for ideas on new songs. I was always taking part in actions I like in 100%. Recently I sang on Tiesto’s “Kaleidoscope”, because I don’t want to feel confined. Music doesn’t belongs to anybody, it’s a gift from God and we have to share it.
Your music openness is well-known. Does it came from your home?
My family is very musical, nearly everyone plays on instruments. Besides of portuguse music, which was always the closest to us, we were going to church together, where I started singing. I’ve been in contact with a lot of different types of music, until now, my music taste is very eclectic. In this way music became my natural language, which lets me express my emotions.
Growing up in the multicultural Toronto also influenced you?
Yes, I grew up with world’s music and it can be heard on my first album. But when i started not much people were understanding what I wanted to show. Luckily times have changed, cultures started mixing, and people are more open. Nowadays all styles fusion isn’t something unique. I’m glad this moment has come.
Your last album, “Mi Plan”, all in spanish, was a big surprise. But you’ve never resigned from latin elements in your music?
On the album you can have only 12, 13 songs and all they have to be is connected, harmonious, well-matched. Sometimes the best songs are b-sides and only the most faithfull fans know them, or they have never been released. Through few last year, I collected some material, which show a different side of me, like when I sing in spanish or portuguese. Recording “Mi Plan” was completely natural for me.
How you dealing with being a star? I remember when after being back from tour, you just couldn’t wait to wear your gumboots.
Yes, I like to feel comfortable. Wearing my old clothes and shoes at home. But during “Loose” promo tour I finally understood that I have to learn how to be showman and have a clear stage personality. Aspire to certain levels of elegance, but not behave like a naive girl. Of course I have found it difficult, leaving the stage and feel myself again, not a star admired by thousands. But I suceeded and found a balance.
Is there something I don’t know about you? Anything you don’t talk about in public?
Oh God, a lot! For example I love to bake chocolate cookies and I’m good in it. Unfortunately, I’m eating them all before thay are bake.
Do you have any music dreams, which you want to come true in the future?
For sure I’d like to record an album in Brazil and to spend time with everyone, for whom music is their life. Sometimes I dream to go to India and work with local artists. But even recording a jazz album would be satisfied for me. There are no barriers for me.
