FOR seven years, singer Mavis Hee did not step into a recording studio.

She had retreated from the limelight in 2001 after her record label was sold to another company.

In June this year, she went back to it to record the soundtrack for the Singapore-produced movie Anna & Anna.

'I was a little worried that I might not be able to cope. But when I stepped into the studio, strangely it seemed so natural that I should be there,' she said.

The two Mandarin songs she sings in the album mark her return to the music scene.

In June last year, she made headlines after harassing two guests at a hotel. She was later warded for about two months at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for depression.

Since then, she has kept a low profile, making public appearances only at charity events.

At a press conference at Golden Village VivoCity yesterday, she said she decided to return to the studio after the film's producer, Ng Sian Ngoh, sought her out through her long-time collaborator, music producer Chen Jiaming.

Ng said she had always wanted to work with Hee. 'Hee has a very unique voice, and for this movie, it fit the lead character perfectly.'

Hee said she felt a special connection with Ng. She recalled: 'When I sang the songs in the recording studio, I hadn't even signed the contract yet.'

The movie, which is directed by Hong Kong's Aubrey Lam, is about a woman who suddenly finds her lookalike and they swop identities.

The soundtrack project could signal a comeback for Hee, who is best known for her husky voice and songs like Moonlight In The City and Even Though I Know, which were hits in the 1990s.

She revealed that she has written 21 songs since returning home from IMH last year and is now negotiating with recording companies for a deal.

The earliest fans can expect a new album would be late next year. She said: 'Health is my main priority now. I don't want to be too busy.'

She still has to visit her psychiatrist every two months but 'everything's bright', she said.

A black, sparkling ring - a skull surrounded by black gems - sits on a finger, which she said was a gift from celebrity hairstylist David Gan, who designed it. She had her hair done at his salon Passion yesterday, and he gave it to her.

She rubbed her fingers on the skull and added with a smile: 'To me, black is happy.'

Anna & Anna premieres in theatres here on Nov 8.