Noughties pop star ditches fame to work as a lecturer at Bath Uni

Noughties pop star ditches fame to work as a lecturer at Bath Uni

In a surprising turn of events, Victoria Hesketh, the artist known as Little Boots, is trading the dazzling lights of the stage for the hallowed halls of academia. The noughties pop sensation, famous for her electro-pop anthems and distinctive style, has announced a new chapter in her career, one that involves sharing her wealth of musical knowledge with aspiring artists.

The singer-songwriter, who captured hearts with her debut album "Hands" and the infectious single "Remedy," is embarking on a new journey as a lecturer in Commercial Music at Bath Spa University. This transition marks a significant shift for the artist, who has spent the last two decades immersed in the music industry, gracing stages around the world and collaborating with renowned musicians.

Little Boots, a BRIT nominee and BBC Sound of 2009 alum, isn't just stepping away from the music scene entirely. In fact, she sees this new role as an opportunity to revitalize her own creative process. The stimulating environment of a university campus, surrounded by passionate students and fellow educators, is expected to foster new ideas and inspiration for her own musical endeavors.

Little Boots in a leopard print coat in front of a large stately home.

In a short video shared online, Little Boots humorously showcases her new "punk rock" career move. Sporting an official university lanyard, she embraces her role with a refreshing sense of self-awareness and enthusiasm. The lanyard, a simple symbol, represents her commitment to this new path and the unique perspective she brings to the academic world.

“So after 20 or so years in the music industry, I decided the most punk rock thing to do would be get a real job. I’ve even got a lanyard,” she quipped, highlighting the unexpected nature of her career transition. This playful remark resonated with fans, emphasizing that she is embracing this new challenge with her characteristic wit and charm.

The announcement was met with widespread excitement from fans and fellow musicians alike. Many expressed their admiration for her bold decision and anticipated the impact she would have on her students. The prospect of learning from an artist who has experienced the highs and lows of the music industry firsthand is undoubtedly a unique and valuable opportunity.

Victoria Christina Hesketh, known as Little Boots, wearing a black and tan animal print top and a lanyard.

Her official announcement on social media further solidified the excitement: "New era! Welcome Week at @cm_bathspa where I am joining as a lecturer in Commercial Music @bathspauni." This concise statement captured the essence of her new role and signaled the beginning of an exciting chapter for both her and the university.

Little Boots emphasized that her teaching position wouldn't spell the end of her musical career. "Fear not this is not the end of my making my own music in fact I’m pretty certain being around such inspiring people and surroundings will have the opposite effect and I will potentially actually get some new music finished.” This reassurance calmed any concerns from fans eager to hear new material from the artist.

She also expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received from the university community, humorously noting her initial struggles with navigating the campus: "Thanks to everyone who has made me feel so welcome especially when I’m getting lost and realise the building I need is directly in front of me." This relatable anecdote highlighted the human side of the pop star and her eagerness to integrate into her new environment.

Victoria Hesketh, known as Little Boots, filming a video.

Fans flooded her social media with messages of support and excitement. Comments like "Serving in that ID photo" and "So exciting!! Congratulations and omg yes to the new music" showcased the widespread enthusiasm for her new role and the anticipation for future musical projects.

Many also noted the unique opportunity that awaited her students, with one fan commenting, "Imagine being starstruck every time you go to a lecture. Lucky students." This sentiment perfectly captured the novelty of being taught by a renowned pop star, someone who has not only achieved commercial success but also possesses a deep understanding of the creative process.

The allure of learning from someone who has walked the walk is undeniable. Little Boots' experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges, will provide invaluable insights for her students as they navigate their own musical journeys. Her presence on campus is sure to inspire creativity and ambition among the aspiring musicians.

A hand holds up a Bath Spa University staff ID card for Victoria, Lecturer in Commercial Music, with a blurred university building in the background.

Little Boots' journey to becoming a lecturer hasn't been without its obstacles. Early in her career, she faced rejection on Pop Idol, a formative experience that ultimately strengthened her resolve and shaped her understanding of the music industry. This experience taught her that success isn't always a straightforward path, and that perseverance and hard work are essential for achieving long-term goals.

“It gave me a thicker skin and it made me realise that it wasn’t a short cut to getting where I wanted to be,” she stated, reflecting on her early experiences. This resilience and determination are qualities that she will undoubtedly impart to her students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and never give up on their dreams.

The Lancashire-born star's career has been marked by versatility and a willingness to experiment. From her early electro-pop hits to her more recent explorations into DJing, Little Boots has consistently pushed creative boundaries and embraced new challenges. This spirit of innovation is sure to be reflected in her teaching style, encouraging her students to think outside the box and explore their own unique musical identities.

Little Boots performing in a silver top with black shorts, holding a microphone and a keytar.

Beyond her own musical endeavors, Little Boots has also collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Benny Andersson. This experience has broadened her understanding of different musical styles and approaches, allowing her to offer a well-rounded perspective to her students.

Her performances alongside acts such as Paolo Nutini, The Vamps, and Becky Hill further demonstrate her versatility and appeal across different genres. This diverse experience makes her uniquely qualified to guide students with varying musical interests and aspirations.

The transition from pop star to lecturer is not entirely unprecedented, with other musicians finding fulfillment in academia. However, Little Boots' unique blend of commercial success and artistic credibility makes her a particularly compelling addition to the Bath Spa University faculty.

Victoria Christina Hesketh in a multi-colored houndstooth blouse and black leather skirt.

Her appointment is a testament to the growing recognition of the value of practical experience in music education. By bringing in industry professionals like Little Boots, universities can provide students with a more realistic and relevant understanding of the music industry.

As Little Boots embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the support of her fans and the excitement of her new colleagues. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians, demonstrating that success can take many forms and that it's never too late to pursue new passions and share your knowledge with others.

The music world eagerly awaits the fruits of her time at Bath Spa University, both in terms of the impact she will have on her students and the new music that she will undoubtedly create. Little Boots' transformation from pop star to lecturer is a testament to her versatility, her passion for music, and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical talent.

Ultimately, Little Boots’ decision to embrace a career in academia is not just a personal change; it's a statement about the evolving landscape of the music industry and the importance of education and mentorship. Her presence at Bath Spa University will undoubtedly enrich the lives of her students and contribute to the vibrant musical community for years to come.