Stephanie McIntosh is best known for plying Skye Mangel in Aussie soap Neighbours, but as her 4 year stint on Ramsey Street comes to an end the actress has her eyes set firmly on the pop charts.Like so many Neighbours stars before her, who have gone on to have a very successful career in the music industry, Stephanie has signed a 5 album deal with Universal Music Australia.The singer's debut single Mistake is released later this month followed by her album Tighrope as the 21 year old shows that there are many strings to her bow.
Has music always been a passion?
Oh yeah absolutely it has all come really naturally. I guess you can either sing or you can't really, but it is definately something that I have always wanted to do.Did you fear being labelled just another ex-soapstar trying to have a music career?
No I don't think that I feared it I tried to ignore it as I think I would not have worked hard enough. At the end of the day it's just something that the listeners and the viewers will decide upon.How would you describe your sound?
The debut album is a pop album but it does have quite a rocky sound you know it has an edge to it. I felt that I had to take it just that bit further to grab people's attention you know what with the whole labelling issue.
Who have you worked with on Tightrope?
Tom Nichols wrote the album and he has just been so great to work with. I have never gelled with anyone as I have with him. Through having him come into my life I have been fortunate to have Max Martin work on the album.
Have you done any writing for the album?
I haven't actully I have just been so lucky to have such great people working on this first record that I believed it was in good hands. But it's certainly something that I want to do more of on future albums.
Why did you decide that enough was enough on Neighbours?
It was just a feeling. I had four great years on Neighbours and I am proud of the work that I have done but there just comes a time when you have had enough and my instinct to leave just kicked in.
Was it hard to say goodbye?
It was so hard to say goodbye it was a very sad moment for me and yeas there were lots of tears.
Have you any other plans to act?
I have a lot of plans for sure you know I would love to do a film but for now I'm concentrating on pushing the album.
Tell me about your reality programme The Steph Show
It was a godd experience and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to show and share with the viewers the music. But when I had been on the set of Neighbours in front of the cameras all day and had to go home to more cameras it sometimes got a bit stressful.
Have you any plans to tour?
Not currently I think I'm just going to see how well the record does but it's something that I would definately be up for.
Steph's debut single Mistake is released 25th June
Helen Earnshaw