INTERVIEW: Denise van Outen on Life, Love and the Songs That Tell Her Story
Denise van Outen has never been one to stand still. From dazzling audiences in musicals Chicago, Tell Me On A Sunday, and Some Girl I Used To Know, to lighting up television screens and radio airwaves, she’s built a career on reinvention — always delivering with her signature sparkle, and self-assured charm. Now, she’s stepping into a new spotlight with the release of her debut album, ‘A Bit of Me’ — a heartfelt collection that brings her love of storytelling, nostalgia, and authenticity to the forefront.
Denise van Outen — A Bit of Me
Blending exemplary vocals with a touch of theatrical flair, the emotionally charged record serves as an extension of the Legally Blonde stars 2022 autobiography of the same name, and reflects the highs, lows, and life lessons that have shaped her both on and off the stage. It’s personal, playful, and unmistakably Denise: equal parts glamour and grit, confidence and vulnerability.
As we sit down with Denise, she opens up about rediscovering her voice, finding joy in the creative process, and why this album truly captures — as the title promises — a bit of who she really is.
Denise, ‘A Bit of Me’ is out TODAY! How does it feel to be finally releasing your debut album?
Do you know what, I’m actually feeling really excited! You’d think I’d be a bag of nerves considering this is something I’ve never really done before, but I’m actually not, I’m just happy that it’s out and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. Obviously I’ve released musical theatre soundtracks and some standalone singles in the past, so I have gone through the whole promo / release week cycle before and (therefore) know what to expect, but I’ve never put out an album that’s just me being me, so I suppose that feels a little nerve-wracking. I’m confident that my audience will know the majority of the songs on the record though, so maybe that takes the pressure off a little bit… I don’t know, I’m not overthinking it (laughs). I’m just really proud of what I’ve created, and I’m enjoying the moment.
You’ve enjoyed great success in just about every sector of the entertainment industry, but music seems to be the thing that always draws you back. Deep down, was making an album something you always knew you’d do one day?
Yeah, I think so. A part of me wishes I’d experimented and recorded more music when I was younger, but at the time when those kinds of offers were presented to me, it never felt right to accept them. Why? Mainly because I didn’t ever really want to be a popstar (laughs). Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love pop music, but I always felt… well, actually I knew, that my voice was better suited to more classical styles of music, rather than pop or dance. But I don’t think anybody was quite ready to accept me in that world back then; I was the fun, bubbly girl on the TV, and people didn’t see me as being anything other than that — which is fine, I get it. There was also a period in the 90s when it seemed like everyone on TV was bringing out a record, and I didn’t want to be seen as jumping on the bandwagon or copying what my peers were doing. It felt a bit predictable, and expected, and back then I didn’t like that, I wanted to go against the grain a little and not play it safe.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you want to make this record now?
Do you know what’s interesting? So I did the very first series of The Masked Singer and — I’m not sure if anybody knows this — but behind the scenes, the contestants taking part in the show are put into two categories, singers, and non-singers, and I was put in the non-singers category. I remember sort of smiling to myself about it, thinking, that’s weird because I’ve done shows in the West End and on Broadway, I’ve released singles, I’ve done duets with people like Andy Williams and Russell Watson, and I’ve worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber on a one woman show that was ALL singing… but I’m still not seen as a singer by some people. So maybe doing this album now is my way of showing people what I can do (laughs). No I’m joking, I’m not doing this to prove anything to anyone. I’m not expecting to sell a million records, or score a major chart position — I mean, that would be nice, but I look at this project as more of a continuation of my book, and a way to launch the tour I’m doing next year.
Before going into the studio, did you have an idea or a set vision for the style of music you wanted to make?
Because my training and background is musical theatre, I knew I wanted the music to have a theatrical feel to it. I’ve always been into my ballads, and songs that lyrically have some sort of emotional, melancholy attachment to them, and I love taking classic pops songs, stripping them back and turning them into something completely different. So let’s talk about ‘The Harder I Try’, which a real 80’s classic by Brother Beyond. The original is really upbeat, melodic and happy sounding, but when you listen to the lyrics, they’re actually quite sad. So we decided strip back the production, add some piano, and strings and gorgeous harmonies, and turn it into a bit of a torched love song — and I love it!
There are nine million wonderful songs in this world! How on earth did you go about trying to decide which tracks to record?
For me it was all about finding, and recording songs that defined specific moments in my life. I remember at the start of this whole process, sitting down to write a list of potential tracks to cover, and thinking about it now, they’ve actually all ended up on the album! So for example, when I was doing Chicago on Broadway and living in an apartment overlooking Central Park, I used to play the Barbra Streisand version of ‘New York State of Mind’ all the time. Whenever I hear that song now, I’m transported back to that exact moment, and I can remember exactly how I was feeling, and what I was going through. A song like ‘Promise Me’ by Beverley Craven reminds me of being young, and starting talk to boys for the first time (laughs). Back then we didn’t have smart phones or social media, so if you made plans to go on a date with someone, you’d have to arrange a time and place to meet, and then just hope he’d turn up! It wasn’t like you could text him or check his Instagram story to make sure he was on his way, you literally just had to wait. And I don’t mind telling you, there were numerous times I was stood up, and I never found why! So ‘Promise Me’ was a song I’d play when I was feeling a bit heartbroken and rejected (laughs).
That sounds brutal…
I know! But do you know what, in a funny way, it was actually easier dating back then, because everything was a bit more clean cut. Once you’d been stood up, chances are you’d probably never see that person again, so it was easier to get over the disappointment and move on. But with social media now, there are so many different ways to keep tabs on people, so it can feel like there’s no escaping someone who’s broken your heart.
Denise van Outen — Promise Me
Has it been nice to sing these songs as you, and not a character?
Yeah, it has actually. In the beginning it was a bit weird, because as you’ve sort of said, most of the time when I sing, I’m singing as someone else. It’s funny, whenever I listen back to the ‘Tell Me On A Sunday’ album, I can hear certain inflections and textures of my voice that I wouldn’t necessarily use if I was singing as me, but I made those vocal choices because that’s what was required to help bring that particular character to life. So yeah, it’s been liberating really, and quite nice to just be me — it’s made a nice change.
How would you describe your relationship with songwriting?
I’ve really fallen in love with songwriting over the last couple of years. It’s so cathartic, and a great way for me to express myself… it’s a bit like a free form of therapy (laughs). I co-wrote one song on the album and I’m really, really happy with how it turned out.
Yes, the title track ‘A Bit of Me’. Denise, it is stunning…
Ah thank you, I’m really glad you like it — I wrote that song from the heart, I really did. It’s scary to be so open and honest in a song, because you’re basically baring your soul to the world, and letting everyone know exactly how you’re feeling — that can bring a lot of judgement and scrutiny to your door. But I was at a point in my life where I was struggling… I really wasn’t in a great place, and I needed to find a way to make sense of everything that was happening to me. I’ll be totally honest with you, I was having therapy at the time, and the therapist I was working with suggested I have a go at writing a song as a way to release all of my thoughts and emotions. And so I went into the studio, put pen to paper, and it really, really helped me. Once the song was finished and mastered, I actually sent it to her and she was like: “oh wow Denise, I wasn’t expecting that!”
What feeling or message do you want to leave listeners with when they hear the song?
That it’s normal to go through hardships in life and relationships. Anytime you’re in love, or falling out of love, you’ll feel vulnerable and that’s okay. Even if you’re in the most loving and committed relationship ever, there will always be those moments where you feel uneasy and out of sorts — but don’t fight it, just go with it, and be hopeful that things will get better, because they will! At the end of the day, I believe we all want the same thing in life, and that’s to love and to be loved… and I think that’s the overall message of ‘A Bit of Me’. When I listen to it now, I feel completely differently to how I did when I wrote it, which is nice because it’s a sort of reminder of how far I’ve come, and that I’ve found happiness within myself again.
Denise van Outen — A Bit of Me (Official Music Video)
You’re heading out on tour next year, with your brand-new solo show, ‘An Evening with Denise Van Outen: Songs, Stories & All That Jazz’ — what can we expect to see?
Okay, I’m really excited about this! To me, the show comes as sort of a package, a trilogy, if you like. So I did my autobiography in 2022, then there’s the album of songs that make up the soundtrack of my life, and the show will be a joining together of the two. I’m really looking forward to it! It’s going to be me, onstage, talking about my life and my career, sharing stories and anecdotes about the work I’ve done, the people I’ve met, the people I’ve worked with, my personal relationships, family life… everything really! I’ll also be singing songs that helped shape all of those moments. I promise everyone who comes along will be entertained! I’m thrilled to be getting back on stage, I just love singing and performing so much — it’s what I want to do more of moving forward.
You’re going to be on the road for a month! How do you think you’ll feel being away from home and your family?
Well, my daughter’s 15 now, so she’s at that age where she’d rather be with her friends than with me (laughs) so I actually feel a bit more at ease about going out to work, and being away from her… just as long as I’m not away for too long! I’ve effectively raised Betsy as a single parent, so for a while now I’ve not really been able to do a lot of the same jobs I did before I became a Mum. Touring or taking on a West End show is a huge commitment, you’re constantly on the go, you’re doing eight shows a week, you’re either in and out of London or you’re travelling up and down the country — it’s a lot, but… I love it and I’ve missed it. So like I said, now Betsy’s older, and I have a little bit more freedom, I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities are out there for me. In a funny way it feels like it’s my time again…
You’ve reinvented yourself so many times over the years — do you see the ‘A Bit of Me’ era as the start of a new chapter?
I do in the sense that I’m really focused and serious about getting back out there, and doing more singing, stage work and live performances. I’m feeling compelled at the moment to go back to my roots, and do all of the things I loved when I was a kid. We sadly lost Silvia Young earlier this year, who was more than just my teacher and principal, she was a real mentor to me. My family and I loved her! We always kept in touch, and she was always so supportive. I didn’t just go to her school, and then leave when I was 16, she stayed in my life and she became a dear family friend. Being at her funeral and amongst all of my school friends really reminded me of all the dreams we had as kids. We worked, and trained so hard, with the hope that one day that hard work would pay off and we’d “make it”. So I feel like I need to carry on, I don’t want to get sidetracked by other things anymore (laughs). Singing and performing fuels me — it’s what gives me most satisfaction and enjoyment, personally and professionally. So yeah, doing this album has felt like another a little reinvention for me, and I’m going to enjoy this next chapter for as long as it lasts.
Denise Van Outen’s album ‘A Bit of Me’ is released today (Friday, October 10th) while tickets for her nationwide tour are available at denisevanouten.co.uk