If there’s anything the world could do with right now, it’s a little sprinkling of Pixie dust. And that’s exactly what noughties pop princess Pixie Lott is here to do. Not to make you feel ancient or anything, but it’s been a whole 10 years since she dropped her last album (yes, really), so safe to say we’ve all been a bit sonically starved since.

Pixie soared to stardom back in 2009 with the release of her debut album Turn It Up, going on to earn three UK No1s, salsa her way through Strictly, and even tour with Rihanna. Let’s be real, who isn’t guilty of belting Cry Me Out at 2am with a large glass of red? But her new album, Encino, released in September shows a new, grown-up side to Pixie with her latest single Show You Love being an anthem of joy, positivity, and a textbook display of her vocal prowess.

But it’s not just music Pixie has been secretly chipping away at. Last year she wrapped filming for Christmas Karma, starring alongside Eva Longoria, Billy Porter and Boy George, and has recently been cast to star in upcoming psychological thriller Past Lives which shoots later this year, too. Singer, songwriter, actress – now that’s what you call a triple threat.

Armed with new music and a jam-packed summer of festival frolicking ahead, Muddy caught up with Pixie in between rehearsals and filming to get the goss.

2025! How are you feeling about the year ahead?

I’m very excited! Now that new music is out there, I get to perform it live which is my favourite thing to do. We’ve got loads of festivals throughout the summer – I think the first one’s in May. I basically can’t wait for festival season, but until then I’m focusing on my new single Show You Love, then we’re going to do a couple more singles from the album after that. So yeah, basically just more music because it’s been 10 years since I last put out an album and I want to keep it going and be back to doing what I love the most.

OMG, 10 years is wild! What was it like making that comeback?

To be honest, I was just really, really excited. I don’t even know why and how that happened. It’s crazy. Life’s too short, so I’ve just been excited to get it out there and keep on the music vibes.

From Turn It Up to your latest album Encino, how would you say your music has developed?

It’s a lot more grown up in the same way that hopefully I’ve grown up as well. It’s me knowing who I am and it’s very focused on playing live to an audience. It’s all full band – guitar and vocal or piano and vocal – and really focusing on the storytelling of the songs, crafting the music, and taking time on each word and sound. I wanted to step away from dance stuff and make music that could be released at any time. I’m not following a trend. I mean thank God, because I have been making it for the past five years so if it was that it would be well out of date by now!

You’re doing 25 festivals this year! Nervous?

I don’t feel nervous at all – it’s my favourite thing to do EVER. I feel like I was born to do it. I love rocking up and doing a show, even if it’s new. It kind of spices it up when it’s a bit different. I just feel really, really excited to be taking these songs on the road and singing them to people, hoping that they sing some of them back.

That must be the scariest bit, seeing how that’s received?

Yeah, definitely. I think with any singer putting out new music, I always sing my old songs in the set because hopefully they’re the ones people recognise, but with new music they can’t really sing along to songs they don’t know. I just make sure I give it some, give more on those so they can hear them loud and clear.

Before a performance, do you have a pre-show ritual?

I’m all about vocal health these days. I wasn’t when I was younger but I use my voice a crazy amount, more than a human being should, so I’ve learned it’s super important and have an amazing vocal coach called Matthew Shaw. do voice rest, which basically means no talking before the show. That is the hardest challenge and it’s not fun, especially now I’m a mum and Bertie’s 16 months and getting older. When he was a baby, I mean he’s still a baby, it was a lot easier but it’s much harder now.

It means I can have the best show and am able to do whatever I want with the set. The songs I write are always big belters and vocally, they’re really high and bouncy so I have to do lots of voice rest.

OMG! How long can’t you talk for?

It depends on my schedule. I’ll take whatever I can get. So, if I have a day, I would take the whole day. In my life, I’ve always had to make sacrifices to pursue my passion for music. I’ve had to pick and choose and learn how I work best. I know my voice flow inside out now and I’ve made mistakes along the way that’s taught me that. So, I know exactly what I can do and can’t do. You know, the show must go on, so I will always get out there and put on the best show for people no matter what’s happening.

What’s your favourite song to perform live?

I’m gonna say Show You Love which is a single at the moment because it’s all about festival vibes – full band, everyone rocking out, and showing love to the audience. It’s like the ultimate kind of description of the song because you’re literally showing love and you’re literally getting the love back.

Have you ever had any major on-stage disasters?

There have been dress malfunctions where my dress has undone at the back. I never sing with lipstick on anymore because literally when I sing, I eat the microphone. I see people’s comments like, ‘Why does she always eat the microphone?’ That’s what I’ve always done and one time I got thick, red lipstick all over. There’s a picture online, it’s so embarrassing, and for the rest of the set I looked absolutely ridiculous. I had no idea until I walked off stage.

I’ve had things where the track skips or it doesn’t work and then you’re left with no music, so you just talk to the crowd and throw a few jokes out there, see if they land. But I think when things like that happen, it just mixes it up, makes for a good story, and because I’ve done so many shows over the years, it makes me go into my performer tool kit and get out what I’ve learned to then be able to cope with it on the spot.

Who are you obsessed with right now?

An American artist called Zach Bryan. I really like his stuff.

How does it feel seeing people sing your songs back to you all these years later?

It’s amazing to have that moment together. I think that’s why I love live music so much because you’re forced to be in the moment with people in front of you, singing the songs together at the top of your voice and I think it brings everyone into the moment which is really magical.

Pixie Lott’s new album Encino is out now.

Words by Ellie Ball