Sting: The Eternal Student of Music
SINGAPORE – At 73, Sting continues to redefine what it means to be a musician. With a career spanning decades, he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, from reggae legend Shaggy to hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, and even music royalty like Barbra Streisand and Dolly Parton. Each partnership, he says, is a chance to learn something new.
“I’m the eternal student. I’m here to learn. I’m still learning about music,” Sting shared in an exclusive Zoom interview from his home in Italy. His collaborations are not just about making music; they are about discovery. “(These collaborators) always bring something new, something I hadn’t discovered, something I can learn.”
Grammy-Winning Collaborations
One of Sting’s notable projects is his work with Shaggy on the album 44/876, which won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2019. This collaboration exemplifies Sting’s ability to blend genres, a hallmark of his career since the late 1970s. His music has traversed jazz, classical, new wave, and even opera, making each collaboration an exciting venture.
“There’s a reason they’re successful, and it’s great to be in the same room with them,” he remarked, highlighting the joy of working with fellow music stars.
The Sting 3.0 World Tour
Currently, Sting is on his Sting 3.0 World Tour, accompanied by British guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas. This trio format is a refreshing change from previous tours that featured larger bands. “We have to work harder, but the challenge is something that we all look forward to,” he explained. Fans have been pleasantly surprised by the dynamic sound of the three-piece band, with each performance offering something unique.
A Journey Through Hits
Fans attending his upcoming concert at the Arena @ Expo in Singapore on September 23 can expect to hear beloved hits from both his solo career and his time with The Police. “I always want to play the hits that people know,” he said, ensuring that classics like “Roxanne” and “Englishman In New York” remain staples of his setlist. Yet, he also aims to infuse each performance with a sense of improvisation, drawing on the sensibility of jazz.
Staying Relevant in a Changing Industry
Sting attributes his longevity in the music industry to hard work and a commitment to staying fit. “I don’t really have a secret, but I’m very fit and I love my work,” he noted. He keeps an eye on current music trends, acknowledging the challenges posed by the vast array of streaming platforms. “There’s so much music out there… it’s difficult to have a complete picture of everything,” he admitted.
Despite the challenges, he sees the accessibility of music through streaming as a “miracle” and a valuable educational tool. However, he also expressed concerns about fair compensation for artists in this new landscape.
Admiration for New Talent
When asked about contemporary artists he admires, Sting mentioned Billie Eilish, praising her voice and sensibility. “I have a great deal of respect for her,” he said, highlighting the importance of recognizing talent across generations.
Future Endeavors
Beyond the current tour, Sting is set to take on the lead role in his musical The Last Ship, which will premiere in Amsterdam in 2026. Inspired by his childhood in the shipbuilding town of Wallsend, England, the musical has already made waves on Broadway and is poised for international success.
“Maybe one day in Singapore, because you are an island nation, you know about ships,” he mused, hinting at future possibilities.
As Sting continues to evolve as an artist, one can’t help but wonder: What new musical horizons will he explore next?
