If you’d have told us 16 years ago that we’d be fortunate enough to get a followup Q & A with Claire as her first debut solo single is released, we’d have laughed.  However, we have must have been doing something right, because that’s just the opportunity that presented itself. Turns out, Claire is right, and karma really is a thing. So here, for your reading pleasure, is our followup exclusive Q & A with the delectable and fabulous Ms. Claire Richards…

CR.net: What can you tell me about the sound of the upcoming album and the artists who influenced the song choice?
Claire: The album is definitely a departure from STEPS and is closer to the sound of the artists that personally inspire me – from Celine Dion, Karen Carpenter, Adele etc. I wanted every song on the album to tell a story and to really touch people personally and I hope I’ve achieved that.

CR.net: You made #1 on the iTunes pre-order chart in one day (congrats!), how did that feel?

Claire: It was such a shock but so incredible to see….I’ve really poured my heart and soul into this record and I am just so excited for people to finally hear it…the fact that so many people have pre-ordered already is such an amazing feeling.

CR.net: Your book was a great read, but considering you’ve achieved so much since releasing it, is there going to be a follow-up?
Claire: Oh gosh I don’t know if I it’s something I would do again – I do think having a family has made me want to keep my personal and professional lives a bit more separate.

CR.net: We’ve already accidentally established that your favourite crisps are Cheese and Onion Squares, but if you could only have one type of sweets from the past that no longer exists, what would it be and why?
Claire: I’m not really a sweet lover to be honest! when we go to the cinema Reece and the kids always get pick and mix but I never eat them.

CR.net: The last time I interviewed you I asked for one piece of life advice, to which H and you told me, “don’t eat yellow snow” and that “it’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice”. Knowing what you know now, would that still be your advice or would you change it? And if you’d change it, what would it be now?
Claire: I still totally live by the mantra that “it’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice” – or “treat others as you would like to be treated”.  Putting positive energy into the world and treating people how you’d like to be treated does really bring good karma back.

CR.net: Finally, tell me, what’s your secret, so that I, too, can just keep getting better with age…? 
Claire: HA! I don’t know if that’s necessarily true, but I have definitely gained a bit more perspective and more confidence with age which are all positive things. Making this album has always been a dream of mine which I don’t think I was ready for until now. So 40 definitely has been a great age for me!

So there you have it, no new book planned – which we’re gutted about, that would have been a great beach read for next year – and 40 is the new age of awesome. Or maybe that only applies to the 1977 club? Either way, when we get there, we’ll let you know!