She’s hot, she’s the most beloved pop star in America, and now No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani is about to break out as a solo artist and Hollywood actress.
This feature originally appeared in Complex's December 2004/January 2005 issue.
After over a decade as the charismatic frontwoman for the biggest ska/rock/pop/ punk/dance band in the land, No Doubt, Gwen Stefani is about to have a ball out on her own. She’s got her clothing line, L.A.M.B.; she plays Jean Harlow in the new Martin Scorsese film, The Aviator. And on her first solo album, Love, Angel, Music, Baby, she collaborates with the likes of Eve, Andre 3000 and Dr. Dre. Complex caught up with her—where else?—in Hollywood.
How are you, Gwen?
Oh my God, I’m so glad you didn’t talk with me yesterday. Yesterday I was in the worst mood. One thing about my success is that, well, there really isn’t room to complain. If you even try to, you look so stupid. But let’s face it, sometimes at the end of a day of interviews I’m like, “I can’t do the last one; they’re going to hate me! I hate myself!” I mean, how long can you really talk about yourself? I enjoy it, but come on!
On that note, let’s talk about you.
Alright!
Tell us about your new record.
It just kind of snowballed. I heard this track by Club Nouveau and this Lisa Lisa song. I had been listening to them forever, groups that I grew up on—Prince, the Time, Lisa Lisa. I was a ska girl, but secretly we loved all these bands. We’d go to see Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam at the Anaheim Theater. I heard that Club Nouveau track, and I felt like it would be fun to do a dance record, a fun ’80s record, the kind of stuff they played when I used to go to Circle K or Knott’s Berry Farm.
ADDITIONAL CREDITS: (STYLING) Andrea Lieberman. (HAIR) Danilo for Flawless/The Wall Group. (MAKEUP) Kathy Jeung for Margaret Maldonado. COVER AND SECOND IMAGES: Cape by Libertine / bustier by Prada / bra and panties by NY Vintage / stirrups by Capezio / lace collar, hair ornaments and pin by Early Halloween / pearl and chain necklace by Louis Vuitton. FIRST IMAGE: Sweater by Louis Vuitton / skirt by Andrea Lieberman for L.A.M.B. / gloves by NY Vintage / pom-pom headband by Jo Gordon.