HOME-GROWN songbird Stefanie Sun is geared for a change.

The 30-year-old, once known for her androgynous looks and boyish crop, now sports shoulder-length locks.

Perhaps it’s a declaration of independence – her old look is synonymous with her time at her former record company, Warner Music, which she left in 2006 to join Capitol Music.

In town last Friday to promote her July 11 concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Sun – who is currently without a music label – told the media that there were restrictions placed on her when it came to her image.

“Back then, I was told that (my looks) set me apart from other singers,” said Sun, who has sold over 10 million albums in Asia.

“But can’t I be different if I have long hair, too? I think people should do the things they want to do.”

And here’s another big change: While Sun used to release at least one or two albums a year – her last being 2007’s Against The Light – she’s taking it easy now.

Asked when her new album would be out, she smiled before replying: “When it’s ready.”

She revealed that she has “a lot of ideas” for it, but declined to say more.

But does she think her star will dim after a long hiatus between albums?

“I don’t think everyone will love me again with the same passion as before, but I just have to try, right?” she said.

Sun – who is reported to be dating Dutchman Nadim Van Der Ros, a senior executive here with insurance firm Aviva – turned pensive when quizzed on what her 10 years in showbiz have taught her.

“It’s important not to feel defeated, and to know that you can get up again every time,” she said.

“You have to know what you are capable of and go for it. Sometimes I think Singaporeans are afraid of failure, which is a pity (as it stops them from moving forward),” she added.

Tickets to Stefanie Sun’s July 11 concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium are available at $168. $148. $128, $108 and $78 through Sistic.

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