Small thinks big

British soul singer Heather Small will perform three times in Thailand - all in support of the Melissa Cosgrove Children Foundation - starting her debut gig in Bangkok on Friday.

Small is best known as the lead singer of the house group M People, whose hits like "Excited", "Moving On

Up", "Sight for Sore Eyes" and "Itchycoo Park" always get us up on the dance floor.

Now solo, Small gradually establishing herself as a talented singer and songwriter, with two studio albums to her credit - "Proud" in 2000 and "Close to Miracle" in 2006.

Her hits include "Proud", "Holding On", "You Need Love Like I Do" and "Luna" with Icelandic tenor Garoar Thor Cortes.

We had a quick e-mail chat ahead of her shows here.

What's up?

I'm currently on a TV show in the UK, learning to dance ballroom and Latin as an able-bodied person dancing with a wheelchair user. It's called "Dancing on Wheels".

What happened with "Strictly Come Dancing"?

It was enjoyable and physically challenging. I don't quickstep in my shows, but I've always liked to dance!

It's been a while since "Close to Miracle". Any plans for a new album?

Not at the moment.

What would you say was your best experience with M People?

M People was a group and we made decisions as a group, but we were like-minded, so it worked very well. As a band we were known for a certain type of music. Working solo, you make the decisions yourself and all the influences are your own. For that reason there's bound to be a difference in the music.

Are M People still around? Do you still perform with them?

We still keep in contact and we do play one-off shows from time to time, but not so often. It's always fun, though.

Do you find you've kept the same fan base as a solo artist?

I think some fans remain, but you also definitely acquire a new set, since the music is slightly different and also I'm different - older and wiser!

What kind of music did you grow up listening to?

I loved reggae, pop and soul. I grew up in London, where people are from many different backgrounds and cultures, so you're influenced by an eclectic mix of music.

Any role models that you look up to?

Maya Angelou's first book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings",

 changed my mentality and changed my thinking for the positive. She'll always be a role model.

Tell us a little more about your involvement in charity work.

I've got very close links with the Melissa Cosgrove Foundation set up by Tracy Cosgrove, who works with very vulnerable children in Southeast Asia. I'm also an ambassador for Barnardos, who work with children and young people in Britain.

What are you looking forward to most about this mini-tour?

Thailand is a place I enjoy very much, so being able to sing in front of a new audience of old friends will be very satisfying.

What will the show in Bangkok be like?

It will be heartfelt!

Miracle likely

Catch "An Evening with Heather Small" at the British Club in Bangkok on Friday at 7pm, the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya on Saturday and the KC Resort and Over Water Villas on Koh Samui next Tuesday.

For the opener at the British Club, artist Michael Shaowanasai will be joining Small onstage.

Get the tickets at (02) 833 5555 or www.TotalReservation.com.