Willa Ford’s resurgence in the music scene marks a significant milestone, as she prepares to unveil her long-awaited album, ‘amanda’, 25 years after her debut. The pop star, who gained fame in the early 2000s with her hit song “I Wanna Be Bad”, is enthusiastic and radiant as she shares her journey of rediscovery in a recent interview with PEOPLE.
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At 45, Ford is stepping into a new chapter of her life, embracing both her identity as a musician and her work as an interior designer. With a steaming cup of green tea in hand, she exudes a carefree energy, proudly donning a hoodie that reads, “Pretend I’m a Pop Star.” This casual approach mirrors her current mindset, as she reflects on her history and looks forward to sharing her music and personal narrative with her audience.
Despite her past successes, Ford faced numerous challenges during her two-decade hiatus from music. After the release of her first album, ‘Willa Was Here’, her plans for a sophomore album were thwarted by upheaval at her record label, Atlantic Records. This turmoil left her feeling apprehensive about returning to the songwriting sphere, leading her to channel her creativity into interior design instead. In 2012, she launched WFord Interiors, establishing a successful business that echoes her architectural sensibilities.
However, a health crisis profoundly shifted Ford’s perspective. In December 2023, she began experiencing psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), which stemmed from psychological factors. These seizures became a wake-up call for Ford, who realised that she had unfinished business in her musical career. “The seizures are what made me decide I wasn’t done living,” she shared. Focusing on songwriting allowed her to confront her past trauma, which she describes as the underlying cause of her health issues.
Ford is reserved regarding the details of her past trauma, choosing not to place blame on her label or colleagues. She acknowledges that her experiences were uniquely challenging, saying, “It’s an out-of-this-world story that doesn’t even sound real.” Despite the hurdles, she understands that she must prioritize her healing and move forward, allowing her struggles to inform the lyrics of her new tracks, including the poignant “Disassociate.”
The album ‘amanda’ is a deeply personal work, featuring 12 tracks that reflect Ford’s journey and growth. Co-written with a team of collaborators, the record encompasses a diverse range of styles, from club anthems to operatic ballads, yet maintains a sense of authenticity. With no ego attached to the process, Ford aimed to create songs with substance while celebrating her growth as an artist and person.
The album’s lead single, “Burn Burn,” encapsulates Ford’s resilience and her desire to uplift others, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. She believes her music can serve as a beacon for those who need it, stating, “Can I change five people’s lives? Okay, I’ll do it.” This newfound purpose drives her creativity, bringing a fresh perspective to her work.
Reflecting on her early career alongside fellow pop icons, Ford finds camaraderie rather than rivalry. While she acknowledges the challenges faced by women in the industry at that time, she holds admiration for her contemporaries. “Those are some of the hardest working women in the industry that you’ll ever meet,” she asserts, envisioning the possibility of a collaborative tour with pop legends like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
With her eyes set firmly on the future, Ford is not just revisiting her pop star past, but carving a new path as an independent artist. “Right now I’m completely self-funded,” she conveys proudly. As she steps back into the spotlight to perform songs that resonate with both her and her fans, she expresses immense gratitude for this moment: “All I can say is I’m really proud to be here.”
As Ford prepares to release ‘amanda’, the anticipation surrounding her return is palpable. Her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment infuses her music with renewed meaning, promising a revitalised connection with both old fans and new. For Willa Ford, this album represents not only a comeback but a celebration of personal growth and artistic freedom.