Patricia Kelly: I would like to say that it is my most emotional album ever. I worked on it for two years with my team of co-writers and producers from L.A. and London, the best people. I'm very enthusiastic about the songs, there are more up-tempos than on my last album, I've stayed true to international pop. I produced almost 30 demos and ended up picking twelve really strong tracks. I gave everything, bled for this album. There are very strong ballads, but also numbers to dance to. I'm very proud of this baby, very happy and can't wait to see how people take it.
What inspired you to write the new songs?
Kelly: Of course life. My own, but also that of others. I'm fascinated by the wonders we humans are. I was recently at the check-up and when I saw my heart beating during the examinations, I thought: this heart is beating day and night, it never rests, for 70 or 80 or 90 years. It's really fascinating and I'll probably write a song about it too. Everything that moves me, that touches me emotionally and what I experience inspires me. Life always brings new stuff. I prefer to write about my own experiences because of course that has a different meaning for me.
"Unbreakable" is a tribute to your husband Denis of 20 years. What is the secret of your long marriage?
Kelly: If I knew the secret, I would share it with everyone in an instant. I am very aware that having a life partner with whom I share my life and who brings me happiness cannot be taken for granted. Before I met Denis, I had one broken heart after another. So I already know what I'm talking about. We love each other very much, there is a deep affection and respect for each other. We cultivate romance and spend time together. We are very close, kiss often and we talk about everything. Not only about the beautiful things, but above all about the ones that are not so pleasant.
I'm a Scorpio and very straight forward which at times means I might be a bit undiplomatic. Communication is essential in a marriage. I feel like an old woman here giving advice to young people. (laughs) If I'm completely honest, I'm amazed that we've been together for so long and still in love. We had our ups and downs and also our crises, but it was always clear to me that Denis is the man of my life. I am grateful to God and to life that I made this bull's eye.
What are you most grateful for?
Kelly: Gratitude is one of my great values. Always be thankful for everything. Above all, I am grateful that I have the ability to feel love in my heart, to be able to give and to receive. Love is what keeps the heart soft and flexible, what man needs to come out of himself and what goes beyond the selfishness of the individual. Basically, love feeds me more than bread and water. It makes me deeply happy. It's not an adrenaline rush or the joy of a new bag, it goes much deeper.
You keep showing how important your family is to you on Instagram. How proud are you of your children?
Kelly: I am very proud of my children. It exceeds all my expectations that I had two such great children. To see her grow up and raise her is really a dream come true for me. As a little girl, I dreamed of starting a family and being happy. And I am, and I am very blessed with it. I am glad that the children are happy and balanced, even at this time.
2021 has not been an easy year for you. Among other things, they had a foot operation and were suffering from Covid-19. Are you fully recovered now?
Kelly: I recently had a follow up and thank goodness my lungs are clear and no longer inflamed. I cried with relief, it was a great joy for me. I need my lungs to sing too. That had worried me and I am very relieved that everything is fine there for the time being. The remaining aches and pains that I still have will also pass.
In fact it was not an easy year, on the contrary one of the hardest of my life. A lot of things have happened, a lot that I haven't made public. A lot was going on, a lot of casualties. But I know I'm not the only one. I have the impression that many people felt the same way this year and that many can identify with it. It will not have been an easy year for anyone. I think we all bravely persevered last year. According to the motto: That'll be all. And this year it became clear: Covid is here to stay ("Covid will stay here", editor's note). The uncertainty and the question of how long this will go on, when will it be possible to plan again?
Many will save 2021 as extremely difficult. However, I can also say that it was one of the most important years of my life. I learned so much about myself and life, had time to focus on things that mattered. A year of contemplation, in which I could look into myself and work through certain things. Now, at the end of the year, I can look at myself in the mirror and say to myself: you were brave, you did well, you had good people around you who loved you and encouraged you.
They also seem to be "unbreakable" themselves. Where do you get your strength and your fighting spirit from?
Kelly: No, I'm not "unbreakable", but I was afraid that the title would be taken that way. I don't see myself as a strong person at all and I sometimes wonder why people see me as a strong woman. My faith is strong and the people around me and I have a strong will. I somehow manage to get up again and again. There are people who have had worse fates than me and master it with courage and bravery, I admire them. I wrote "Unbreakable" for Denis, but not only about our love, but about his ability to never lose courage and hope. I really admire that about him.
What do you wish for 2022?
Kelly: Definitely and very clearly: health. For me and all my loved ones around me.
What are your resolutions for 2022? Are there any that you break every year?
Kelly: I always make resolutions. Not things like losing ten pounds or quitting smoking, but more in the direction of self-development and progression. For the new year I plan to find a balance and listen to my body. I tend to overdo it. I have a strong will, I am very enterprising and when projects are offered, I am the first to say that I want to do it. Later I realize that maybe it was too much. In the new year I want to listen more to the people around me who know me and my limits better than I know myself.
In 2022 you will go on a big tour with the Kelly Family. How much are you looking forward to it?
Kelly: Of course I'm really looking forward to it. I'm always happy when I can be with my siblings and work with them, even if it's just a video shoot. We're all crazy and we always fight, but they're great to be with. Especially on tour. It's always a huge party and a huge joy when the audience comes along. Then I'm just really happy.
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