Dolly (October 2004)
You ask, Gwen answers
What better way to give you the goss on Gwen Stefani than to let you ask her the questions yourselves?
If you’re making a solo album, does that mean No Doubt are breaking up? Vicky, NSW
“No! The music I wanted to make is something I couldn’t do with No Doubt. It would exclude members because it’s dance and electronics. But it’s cool, because the band has been so supportive, and there’s no plan to quit what we’re doing. I don’t want to call it a solo record, I call it a dance record. I wanted to make a modern version of the ’80s stuff I grew up on, music that you can dance to in a club.”
How did you start the band? Melike, Vic
“My brother started the band and I just did whatever he told me to do. The whole thing was very exciting. I was just blossoming and I remember thinking, ‘I might be good at this.’ We spent three years in our backyard making the first album and didn’t think anyone would ever hear it. You believe that it will never come out, let alone get on the radio and sell 15 million copies. The whole thing was magical and scary.”
Who was your all-time fave pop star? Eve, Vic
“I never felt strong growing up. I didn’t know where to fit in. All the women in music were angry and I didn’t really feel like that. There wasn’t really anybody, until I discovered Blondie. She was sexy and she wasn’t ashamed to be rocking out and, to me, that’s having it all. Because we all want to be sexy, even guys.”
What’s the deal with your fashion label L.A.M.B? Roshni, WA
“I figured that since my stylist and I already designed my own stuff, we may as well make a line out of it. This is truly my look. My designs are going to be based on everything that I’ve ever worn, from my first punker pants to what I wear now.”
I read you had body image problems. Is that true? Emily, NZ
“As a teen, my weight was a struggle for me, like all girls. I don’t like to talk about it because it’s boring. It’s something we all deal with. There is even more pressure on me, I think, because everyone comments on my body. I spend a lot of time thinking about it: I admit that. But it’s such a shame because there are so many other things we can focus on. I have to work very hard to look as good as I do on tour. I get into my healthy fitness rage, and as soon as it’s over, I’m like, ‘Hurray! Let’s go get pizza’.”
What’s your fave No Doubt song ever? Ashleigh, NZ
”‘Just A Girl’ is always a winner at concerts, even though it’s not my favourite song to play, because it’s hard and you get tired. But people get so excited. If you’re playing a festival and not doing too good, then all of a sudden you lay that song, it’s an instant win-over. I love ‘Rock Steady’.”
How did you meet your husband, Gavin? Sarah, WA
“We were introduced to each other by friends and he looked so familiar to me; there was just something about him. The first thing I said to him was, ‘You’ve got gorgeous eyes’. Both Gavin and I feel blessed that our friendship has remained. I mean, really, how rare is that?”
What would people be surprised to know about you? Linda, SA
“That I’m really self-centred. I really am. I’m also pretty lazy. I love to sit around and watch TV, eat ice-cream, not work out and basically be a slob.”
Were you the cool girl at school? Christina, NSW
“I think I’ve been able to fool a lot of people, because I’m really a dork. I didn’t think I’d have an impact on anyone. I was a very passive person growing up. I did whatever my brother told me to do, and I was never a leader. I didn’t need to be.”