Belinda Carlisle has recently reflected on facing ageism in the music industry.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Belinda revealed how it’s like to be an older singer and explained her 30-year hiatus.
“I'm an older singer now and I have to really do a lot of prep,” said the 64-year-old.
The musician continued, “It used to be that I took my voice for granted and I don't at all anymore.”
“I'm just really lucky that I'm still out there doing it, but I have to take care,” remarked the singer.
The musician explained, “I mean, when I'm on the road, I travel with three humidifiers, and I have all these rituals that I do just to keep my voice healthy when I'm working.”
Elsewhere in the interview, the songstress revealed that ageism had influenced her decision in taking a break from her music career.
“I was dropped by my record company when I turned 40 and singing was the only thing I really knew how to do,” she disclosed.
Belinda recalled, “Of course I was mortified and panicking. But then I thought, ‘Well, who am I?’ It began like the most interesting part of my life — I'd always been defined by what I do, so I knew that there was more to that.”
Talking about her journey, the singer added, “What I thought at first was a disaster ended up being a huge gift.”
Meanwhile, Belinda returned to American pop music and released new EP titled Kismet on May 12.