Brazilian music star Bebel Gilberto is gearing up to headline her first London gig in three years on 6 August at Koko, where she’ll be performing both her classic tracks and songs from her latest album All in One, which features production from Mark Ronson.

We spoke to the sexy singer about emotion, love, music and dance.

So, what’s in store for the crowd when you perform at Koko in London?
Well, it’s been almost three years since my last UK performance, so I’ll be bringing surprises! I have a new band and a repertoire that includes songs from my recent album All in One, plus my classic hits like 'Bananeira', 'Aganju' and 'Samba da Benção'.

What are you most looking forward to on the night?
To touch peoples’ hearts and, of course, to have some fun!

Do you remember your first ever gig? What was it like?
Hmm, it was when I played with my mum and American jazz legend Stan Getz at the Carnegie Hall in New York. I was nine.

Do you have a funny tour story to share with us?
We’ve got so many that it’s hard to choose. In Brazil we were playing with Caetano Veloso in this huge concert in a great theatre. But there were a lot of random people backstage and things got a bit out of hand. As the band and I were getting ready to go on stage, we saw a pair of arms through the curtain unscrewing my drummer’s cymbals and running off with them! We caught him, though.

Do you like to draw on your own experiences when you make music?
Totally. I’m an autobiographical lyricist. I use my emotions to write and it is really great therapy.

When did you first realise you had musical talent?
When I was singing in a group of children for a jingle, I could tell my voice was already ready when I was seven years old.

"I’m an autobiographical lyricist. I use my emotions to write and it is really great therapy."

So tell us a bit about your last album All in One...
All in One is an album made with lots of love and lots of people! I mean, a lot of people were involved in that process directly and indirectly, like Seu Jorge, Didi Gutman,and Mark Ronson. I loved doing it, although it was the first and last release I’ll be doing on a major. That was a disaster.

What are you most proud of about the album?
About the truthfulness, as well as the fact that I could work 24/7 with my husband Didie and
didn't get out of the studio with too many frustrations.

What was it like working with Mark Ronson?!
Mark is very talented and is a gentleman. He’s very humble, especially considering the buzz and the fact that he has the world at his feet.

How important do you think it is to have a big gay following?
A big following is the most important thing an artist can have. Without your fans, you are nothing. You really need a big following that feeds your heart and brain at the same time.

"Without your fans, you are nothing. You really need a big following that feeds your heart and brain at the same time."

What’s one of the most outrageous things you’ve ever done?
Ooh, I wouldn't go there! I did fly out to Mario Testino's birthday in Berlin alone on my day off in the middle of my European tour when I was in Toulouse - just to be with him and our friends for one night. It was the best party I’ve ever been to. The next night I was in Paris and did a great concert.

What comes first for you – sex or love?
Love.

What do you think is the secret of a good relationship?
Trust, sense of humour and friendship.

What is your favourite dance style?
Disco.

After your gig at Koko, what’s coming up for you?
I’ll be going back to N.Y. for a month and then I go to Brazil for another tour.

Anything to add?
Yes! Next year I will be shooting my first DVD. It should be out next year to celebrate 10 years of my career.
 

You can catch Bebel Gilberto perform at Koko in London on 6 August 2010. Her latest album All in One is out now on Verve. www.bebelgilberto.com.