Lisa performs at The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh

Lisa Stansfield performs at  The Queen’s Hall on Tuesday. Back after an eight year hiatus with a new album, the Brit Award winning artist is one of the most successful UK vocalists of all time. She was thrust into the limelight back in 1989 when her talents featured on Coldcut’s seminal People Hold On. However, it was her solo number one All Around the World that cemented her place in the hearts of the worldwide music scene so expect highlights from her sultry back catalogue too. i-on magazine talks to Lisa - words by Stu Todd 

What attracted you to music?
It just gave me a huge sense of freedom.  

What’s the highlight of your career so far?
Still being here. I'm very flattered that people are still interested in what I do. I'm very lucky in that respect and I never let myself forget it.  

What’s your dream?
To do what I love for as long as I can. If people still want me to do it then I'm gonna keep going.  

What’s your prized possession?
I have two little vases of trees with little fawns in front of them. My Grandma gave them to me before she died. I said to her as a little girl, “Grandma, when you die can I have those vases?” and it was so lovely that she remembered. I put them in the cupboard now because I'm scared they might get broken. I also have the last dress my mum wore too. It's not weird, it's lovely.  

What’s your favourite song of all time? 
I don't really have specific favourites. I suppose a lot of the old soul songs do it for me by artists like Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye. I don't think I can ever have an all time favourite song. It is wonderful how evocative music can be. It's almost like smell in that respect. It does conjure up memories that seem very tangible. Also music can remind us of people we don't see anymore. It's sometimes like visiting an old friend.  

What are the best things in life?
Being fortunate to have been in love with the same man for the last 25 years and laughter. I love to laugh. Me and my husband laugh our way through a lot of things.  

What can’t you live without?
I don't think I could live without music or the mental freedom it can give.