After a huge headline show at Drumsheds last weekend – and an even bigger year – the Sugababes will return to the stage later today for a free gig held in a secret London train station.
‘Playing at the O2 was our icing on the cake of this year,’ says Keisha Buchanan, one third of the pop trio. ‘When we went out there it was so warm, so lovely, and we were really able to capture the essence of who we are today. It wasn’t perfect but that’s what made it special.’
The monumental show at the O2 in September took place over two decades after their first gig in the capital, Buchanan recalls: ‘Our gig at Ronnie Scott’s was our first! I remember feeling super nervous, I remember being so shy and staring at the ground for most of the performance.’ Countless hits, festivals and tours later, it’s safe to say any shyness has long left these three Londoners.
When not on the road, the trio split their time between Siobhán’s house in north London, and their regular hangout, Shoreditch House – where you’ll likely find them on a Friday night. ‘On a Friday they have this backroom where they play early 90s R&B – I believe that was the time for music,’ says Buchanan. ‘It becomes this backroom sweat club and to be honest with you I haven’t seen that for a long time because everyone is always on their phones, but that is the one place where I go and everyone’s phones are down and everyone is vibing.’
Getting us ready for the weekend, the Sugababes curate this week’s Friday night playlist, selected from their very own dressing room playlist. ‘We use this dressing room playlist every single time,’ says Buchanan, listen to it in full here.
Stormzy & Raye - The Weekend
Burna Boy - Last Last
Joel Corry - Sorry
Tyla - Water
Victoria Monét - On My Mama
J Hus - Who Told You (Feat. Drake)
K. P. & Envyi - Swing My Way
