Kelli Young is one-fifth of award-winning band Liberty X, a pop group formed from five contestants from the 2001 UK TV show Popstars. Kelli co-wrote a number of the group’s hit singles and is now gearing up for the release of the new Liberty X album this summer and a nationwide club tour.
You have a list of accolades and awards from your career with Liberty X. When did you first start singing seriously and what inspired you at the start of your career?
I first started when I was 14. A friend of mine was really into singing and she asked me to enter a competition with her. We managed to win and after that I started to sing more and more. When I was 16 I moved down to London to go to the Italia Conti School, then Popstars came along and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy most about music?
I find it amazing that I’m able to do my job as a hobby. I’ve loved music for so long – I’ve been dancing from the age of five so it’s always been around.
What have been the highlights of your music career?
It would have to be either winning a BRIT award (Liberty X won Best British Single in 2003 for Just A Little) or getting a number one single. So many people dream about gaining success in the industry when they are kids, and so few actually get there. I still can’t quite believe what has happened. In fact, when I talk about it I feel like I’m lying!
Have there been any particular challenges you have had to contend with over the course of your career?
Working inside the music industry is difficult, challenging, exciting and consuming -all at the same time. You are basically self-employed and you have to remember that it is a business you are involved in.
What is your focus for 2007?
We are currently on a club tour around the UK which has been fantastic. It’s kind of where we started, and it’s been great to go back and perform for our fans.
Touring must be very strenuous. Can you tell us a little about how you get yourself in peak condition?
To be honest, I hate the gym so it’s great that I have a job that gets me in shape. The dance routines we have are pretty energetic so that keeps me really fit. I took it easy over Christmas, but now we are on tour I’m in peak condition. I am thinking of getting a bike as well as it’s the only form of exercise I really enjoy.
What tips do you have for Seasonal Berries’ readers to help keep themselves in the best possible shape?
I’d say that the most important thing is to eat when you’re hungry and make sure you have regular meals. Another important thing to remember is not to eat just for the sake of eating.
What is your favourite berry?
That’s really hard because I like them all – they taste great and they’re good for your body, so what’s not to like? If I have to choose then it’s got to be either strawberries or blueberries.
What is your favourite way to serve berries?
If I’m going for the indulgent option then I’ll never say no to pancakes topped with mixed berries. I have to have them all – blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries – with a load of maple syrup over it all. Otherwise I eat handfuls of berries as a snack to help keep my energy levels up, which is really important when I’m in the studio or on tour.
For more information about Liberty X and their current tour visit www.liberty-x.net
