AceShowbiz - Before becoming a global pop icon as part of the Spice Girls, Melanie C was deeply immersed in the rave scene. Her first taste of dance music came as a teenager on holiday in Spain, where she discovered a vibrant world of self-expression and high-energy rhythms that resonated with her own creative spirit.

Back in the U.K., during the early '90s—an era now celebrated as a golden age of rave culture—Melanie C fully embraced the scene. Although she later set aside her clubbing days to focus on her role as Sporty Spice, those early experiences left a lasting impact. She infused the energy and individuality of rave culture into her work with the Spice Girls, helping to shape their distinct identity.

Nearly seven years ago, Melanie C revisited those roots by stepping behind the DJ booth, blending her love for dance music with her evolving artistry. This journey culminates with her ninth studio album, Sweat, released on May 1. The 13-track project pulses with thumping beats, sleek production, and sensual vibes, marking a confident step into club territory for the artist.

At this stage in her life, Melanie C says she feels “really happy,” and her goal with Sweat and the accompanying tour—spanning the U.S., Europe, and the U.K. throughout summer and fall—is to share that joy with fans worldwide.

In a recent conversation, Melanie C opened up about her new music, the influence of rave culture on the Spice Girls, and how her relationship with dance music has evolved over the years.

Where are you right now, and what’s the atmosphere like?

“I’m in LA, staying in a lovely Airbnb. I always enjoy being here because I had some writing sessions in this city. My first album, Northern Star, was mostly written and recorded here, so it holds special creative memories for me.”

What was the first album or piece of music you bought yourself, and on what format?

“The first album I saved up for was on vinyl—The Kids From ‘Fame.’ I bought it at Woolworths, a store in the U.K. that sadly no longer exists but was the go-to place for singles and albums back then. That album has been influential throughout my life, especially now as I lean into an ’80s vibe on Sweat.”

What did your parents do when you were growing up, and what do they think of your career now?

“My mum has always been a singer. She started in bands at 14 and still performs. She was also busy working for the NHS until a few years ago. My dad worked as a holiday rep when I was young, then later got involved in sports travel related to Premiership soccer teams, which is his dream job. Mum has always been super supportive. Dad was nervous at first, thinking I needed a plan B, but now he’s very happy it worked out.”

What was the first non-music-related thing you bought with your first paycheck?

“With my very first paycheck from Virgin Records—a paper check—I went to JD Sports and bought some Nike Air Max sneakers. Very on brand for Sporty Spice!”

If you had to recommend one album for someone new to dance music, what would it be?

“My go-to would be The Prodigy’s Experience, but it’s quite intense and might scare some people off. For something gentler, I’d suggest Groove Armada to ease into dance music.”

What’s the last song you listened to?

“I’ve been loving ‘Houseboy’ by Aluna, Will Sass, and Timbaland. I’m a big fan of Aluna. I saw her perform live at a festival a couple of years ago, and that really cemented my admiration. Seeing an artist live gives you a deeper understanding of who they are.”

How did you first get into dance music?

“I was 17 on my first holiday without my parents, with three college friends from dance college, in Spain. We went out to bars and clubs and saw people truly expressing themselves through dance—arms everywhere, jumping around. It was so different from the rigid step-touch style common in the U.K. during the ’80s. We fell in love with it. When I returned to London, we hunted down raves and flyers. That was my introduction to dance music around 1990.”

What are some of your strongest memories of that era?

“It was all about community. Raving and the ’90s really shaped me and the other Spice Girls. Dance music celebrated individuality and brought together cultures and communities who hadn’t socialized before. That sense of unity blew my mind and drew me in. We also felt rebellious—though it was innocent rebellion—because we were doing things our parents hadn’t done, starting our own revolution after the ’60s.”

Did rave culture remain part of your life after joining the Spice Girls?

“It went on the back burner because we had to focus so much on the band—working on material, choreography, and then promoting and traveling the world. There wasn’t much time for socializing. But I always had dance music with me, whether on my CD Walkman or cassette, especially in the gym to keep motivated. Going out clubbing took a backseat for a long time.”

Is this new album a return to your rave roots?

“It’s definitely a reclamation. Making this album has been beautiful because I’ve been DJing for eight years, playing many of the tracks I used to rave to as a kid. What I play as a DJ and what I do as a solo artist are different, though. With Sweat, I wanted to merge those two worlds without alienating fans who have followed my career.”

Through Sweat, Melanie C reconnects with the dance music that first inspired her while demonstrating her growth as an artist. The album and upcoming tour promise to celebrate the freedom, unity, and joy that rave culture introduced to her life and music, inviting listeners to experience that energy anew.