Steve:

Did you feel any pressure at all?

Sheila:

Well, it was a kind of hot-house situation. But, along with Martin Smith who was invaluable as co-writer, sound engineer, photographer and multi-instrumentalist, we were able to minimise time spent in music business administration and maximise our input into the artistic and creative endeavours. It was a kind of crucible in which my identity and skills as an artist were formed and this is exactly what I had hoped would happen going into that era. Also, learning through first hand experience about all aspects of the music business - from mail-outs to A & R decisions, from music publishing to legal contacts and licensing - was an eye-opener and essential for me in my teenage years. I made sure I was involved in everything that was happening including the financial side of things.It all sounds very grand, but really it was just you, me and Martin Smith in our front rooms finding a way to make it work and getting on with it - and, to a large extent, making it up as we went along!

Steve:

What do you remember about Musik Natet Waxholm?

Sheila:

Indipop took on one licensee during this time - a Scandinavian record company called MNW who in 1984 were a co-operatively run record label - very unusual. Over the years they were an invaluable source of support, comparison, experience and money for Indipop and myself.

Without getting too melodramatic, the musical odyssey I set off on with Indipop had a few downsides. One of which was a quite isolated existence. So the trips I made to Scandinavia were very sustaining - like a friend feels on joining a family for the occasional Sunday meal!

Because of MNW's expertise, and enthusiasm, "Out On My Own" was Top 40 for many weeks in the Scandinavian album chart. This, despite my policy throughout my 9 solo albums never to release singles.

As you know, Indipop released "Out On My Own" as a limited edition of 5000 copies - each one personally signed by me! I would sit in front of the TV watching films and signing. It only took 40 hours. There are some things that are fun to do once in your life!