That Grape Juice caught up with R&B songstress Tamia last month as she prepared for the start of her North American tour. During the course of our conversation, the mother of two talked, among other things, music, her role as a mother and wife, the highs and lows of being an independent artist as well as living with Multiple Sclerosis. An insightful listen, if I must so myself :) Enjoy.

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Part 1

Part 2

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Click here to order tickets for Tamia's North American tour
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Labels: Interview, Tamia

Having been a member of the biggest selling female group of all time Destiny's Child for more than eight years, Michelle Williams is re-embarking on her solo career. With a single out and a hotly anticipated album on the way, Williams is preparing to silence the naysayers

Sam: Michelle, how are you?

Michelle: I’m doing great, fabulous. How are you?

Sam: I’m fine. It really is an honour to finally be able speak with you!

Michelle: Yes, it’s an honour to be able to speak with you. I just want to say Sam that I thank YOU for your love and support towards myself and, actually, all three of the ladies (of Destiny’s Child). Individually, I just want to thank you for being so supportive from day one, I really appreciate it.

Sam: Aww. You’re welcome

With the single ‘We Break The Dawn’ having been released recently, there’s no doubt that you’ve been very busy as of late. Tell me a little about what you’ve been up to.

Michelle: Well, I’ve preparing for the release of my new album, which is titled ‘Unexpected’. Like you said, the single is titled ‘We Break The Dawn’; I shot the video for that last week. Y’all should be seeing the video by May 12th.

Sam: That’s great. What was the experience like (filming the video), how was the day?

Michelle: I loved it. We had a ball. Everything worked out so smoothly; no drama, everyone on the set did what they were supposed to do. We really had a lot of fun. I learned so much about myself, that I could do more than I thought I could do. I think this will shock a lot of people. Michelle can do more than what we know of her to do. When you’re in a group, sometimes, you’re not always able to do what you want to do. But that works out, because as a group, everyone has to be a team player. There are different references and things like that that I’ve looked at and held for a few years (while in Destiny’s Child) thinking ‘when I get the chance, I’m gonna do that’. So all that I’ve wanted to do is now coming to pass.

Sam: That’s great. Where are you actually situated at the moment?

Michelle: I’m actually home right now, just outside of Chicago, Illinois.

Sam: So this is like one of your days off, I’m assuming?

Michelle: Yeah, kind of.

Sam: Good good. You did mention before that your new album is titled ‘Unexpected’ (due on August 12th). The album has a distinct Pop/Dance sounding direction and obviously your new image is a lot more edgy, a lot more current too. This isn’t something many people anticipated from you. Was this deliberate or something that organically happened?

Michelle: Well I found that I wanted to do something that would set myself apart from what people have seen (of me) in the last eight years. I’ve always wondered ‘what would my hair be like short’. Now I’ve got the chance to do that; you know,, create some individuality.

Sam: Tell me a little about what we can expect to hear on the album, in terms of its sound, concept, producers etc. I know it’s a lot in one question, but as much as you can detail on the album would be great.

Michelle: Yes, yes. This album…oh my goodness. You know what I do? Purposely, I won’t listen to my album for a few days because I want to make sure that in another three or four days, I still like it. I’m telling you, when I put that album on, it’s like my first time hearing it. Honestly, sometimes I forget that I’m listening to myself singing and I’m getting into it so much – the words, the everything. Rico Love, who produced the bulk of my album, is an AMAZING writer; he gets you sucked in, so much so, you think you’re actually there in the moment. Sometimes I forget that I’m the one singing on the album; I’ll get to thinking about things that I’ve gone through (that’s related to a song), people that I know etc. I think it’s a great thing; this album makes you feel good. I don’t care what you’ve gone through in your day or your life, this album makes you forget about all your problems and makes you focus on your future and makes you happy. With all that’s going on in the world, I mean even here in the United States with the recession, this album really helps you escape from all of that for a little while.

Sam: Great. I’m assuming that the album is completed?

Michelle: The album is done.

Sam: Have any personal favourites emerged from record, if so what are they and why?

Michelle: Wow, that’s a hard question. You know what, I’m so satisfied with the project; there isn’t one song I have to skip or that I cringe when hearing. In terms of favourites, of course my single ‘We Break The Dawn’, ‘Hello Heartbreak’. There’s a song called ‘Lucky Girl’; it’s just so cute. Everyone that has heard that song loves it, men, and women. This album is for everybody, it’s for men too, not just the ladies. There’s one more song I love called ‘The Greatest’; that’s the song that, when I listen to it, I forget that it’s me singing it – it’s such a beautiful song.

Sam: There’s quite a buzz about ‘Stop This Car’ among fans, general listeners…

Michelle: Yes, ‘Stop This Car’, that’s an awesome track. Stargate really did their thing on the song…

Sam: It is a personal favourite of mine. The feedback on the track has been amazing. People want to know if it’ll be a future single.

Michelle: It’s definitely a contender for a single

Sam: Judging by the material heard thus far, the album has a distinct up-tempo, dance-heavy heavy sound. Will the record feature any ballads, as many feel your voice really excels on such tracks also?

Michelle: ‘The Greatest’ is a power ballad. I have a song on there called ‘Too Young For Love’, which is definitely another power ballad. So yeah, you’ll be able to slow it down a little bit too.

Sam: We need to talk about the fact that this is your first solo foray into the secular market, having already released two Gospel albums (‘Heart To Yours’ and ‘Do You Know’). What’s your response to the naysayers and critics that will undoubtedly have something to say about you now releasing a secular record?

Michelle: Screw the naysayers. The critics, that’s cool. Naysayers, I can’t get with, because everybody is going to do something you don’t agree with. If I had to worry about what everybody didn’t agree with, I wouldn’t be doing nothing right now, you wouldn’t be doing nothing right now. I mean I love all types of music. Before my Gospel albums, I was an R&B artist. I never proclaimed to be a Gospel artist. There are so many people that were before me, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and even my favourite singer of all-time Whitney Houston, they’ve all done Gospel. Yet they all maintained being an R&B artist. Now, it seems like after me, everybody’s doing a Gospel album, which is great, it’s cool - do your thing. I love all types of music and I don’t want to be pigeon-holed. Me doing this music, I know what I’m doing; and if anything that I do takes me away from God, I won’t do it. Scripture says ‘Let nothing separate you from the love of God’…

Sam: Amen!

Michelle: ..so this ain’t separating me. In fact, being in this industry has made me much closer God, because there are times when I feel by myself and it’s just me and God. I know what I’m doing. God is with me. This album, this project, God is in this. It’s worked out so smoothly. If there are doors He doesn’t want me to go through, He won’t open them, nor will He let me walk through them. I don’t mind if God shuts the door, that’s protection for me. To the naysayers, keep naysaying.

Sam: (laughs). On the topic of Christianity, do you still regularly attend church?

Michelle: Yes, I do. If I’m home on a Sunday, then I will attend service.

Sam: That’s cool. While your new sound, image etc are radically different to what people expected, it’s your performance of ‘Do You Know’ on the Destiny’s Fulfilled tour that really caught people off guard. I remember being at the London stop of the show and people were in awe saying ‘is that Michelle?’ Did you see performing this song on the tour as a coming out of sorts or…

Michelle: I didn’t really see it as a ‘coming out’. It’s definitely a song that is dear to my heart, so I guess it showed. I will say, on that ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ album I think I was just coming into my own. I was comfortable, I was settled, I was like ‘ok, I know this, I got this’.

Sam: I know a lot of people took on the same view. Being in the biggest selling female group of all time, the main comparisons are often to each other. What do you feel separates you all individually?

Michelle: We all have our own style and our own taste in music and how we want to express that; and people need to respect that. I may just want to express my music standing in front of a microphone. Beyonce, on the other hand, she likes to come in upside down (in reference to Beyonce’s 2003 MTV VMA performance). I mean, who knows, I might get the chance to get on a trapeze and spring across Radio City Music Hall. We like to express ourselves differently. I will never be Beyonce Knowles, Beyonce Knowles will never be Michelle Williams, Kelendria Rowland will never be Michelle Williams and I will never be Kelly. I’m Michelle Williams, my mama calls me T; I’m gonna be me. What some people fail to see is that, as three ladies coming out of such amazing group success, we are all (continuing to be) successful in our solo endeavours. Before now, that was unheard of. With every group, there’s no reason why each member can’t be out there doing their own thing.

Sam: You’ve been in the industry for more than eight years, in which you’ve experienced both the highs and the lows. What have been you most fulfilling moment with your fame and most discouraging?

Michelle: The most fulfilling? Wow. The fact that I have been able to travel the world. Before the age of 25, I can say that I’ve visited pretty much everywhere. Also, meeting so many beautiful people. I mean, from London to Dubai to Australia, (as well as) back home here in the States. What’s most fulfilling is knowing that, by (listening to) our music, people’s lives have been changed. You have people that have listened to ‘Survivor’ that have decided not to end their life and that they are standing here today doing well.

The most discouraging is when you want the whole world to understand and like you and they just won’t. Also it’s the assumptions and judgements that are made before someone knows you that are disappointing. Anything else, I’m like ‘it’s a business, dust your shoulders off’.

Sam: The industry has changed radically, even when compared to a few years ago. What is your advice to the potential stars of tomorrow to be successful in the industry?

Michelle: Well considering that labels now have slashed budgets, you’re not getting all this money (funding), you’ve got to love it. When I came in, you had to love it, but now you r-e-a-l-l-y have to love it to make it in the industry. To be sustained, to be happy, you’ve got to love what you do. If you don’t get the level of success that you wish, any level of success today is still great success. You sell some records, people know your name. That alone is satisfying.

Sam: In terms of the new record, what are your hopes? Obviously the industry is currently very unstable…

Michelle: My hopes for the record? I just pray that I make music that everybody will want to purchase. I’m not gonna sit up here and lie and say that I don’t want to sell a million records – I want to sell three million! I’m humble, but I’m not going to say ‘well I don’t mind selling one or two records’ (laughs). I want number one records, number one singles. My hopes are that I can tour, I want to tour around the world with this album. I want to sing my songs.

Sam: Moving on from the music side of things, you starred in the Broadway version of the Color Purple as Shug Avery for nearly a year. Will you be starring reprising your role in the upcoming film adaptation (which Fantasia has signed on to do)?

Michelle: I haven’t been approached yet. I don’t know, it’s not something I’m chasing right now because my album is out.

Sam: Ok. Should the opportunity present itself, would it be something you’d consider?

Michelle: Absolutely.

Sam: I did see that you received rave reviews for your performance as Shug Avery.

Michelle: Thank you. I was excited about that.

Sam: You're part owner of a female basketball team…

Michelle: Yes, the Chicago Skies…

Sam: Do you have any other ventures outside of music that you are currently pursuing or wish to in the future?

Michelle: Absolutely. I am currently working on a bath and body line, that people will be seeing one way or the other. I am working on that now. Actually, a lot of them are hand-made products that I am creating.

Sam: I did actually see that you gave the site a shout-out a few months ago (on your MySpace blog). Do you go on websites, blogs etc to see what they are saying about Michelle Williams as well as general music news?

Michelle: I will admit that ‘yes I do’ – especially since I have an album coming out. I want to know what the headlines are saying; I don’t necessarily want to know the comments, but I definitely like to know what news Sam posted today. So I do frequent a lot of the more positive websites and I love ThatGrapeJuice.net!

Sam: Thank you very much. It’s much appreciated. We love Michelle too.

If you weren’t famous, if you weren’t Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child, what do you feel you would be doing now?

Michelle: I’d probably be working in the field of Law. Probably a lawyer.

Sam: Ok. A few of our readers wanted to know if you are dating anybody at the moment. The name Henry Simmons came up quite a few times, is there any truth to that?

Michelle: Actually there is absolutely no truth to the Henry Simmons rumours. In a way, I’d wish these rumours would stop popping up because it’s messing up my opportunities…

Sam: (Laughs!)

Michelle: Me and Henry Simmons have never even been out on a date. I think he attends the same church as me.

Sam: In terms of the future, do you have aspirations to start your own family, get married and things of that nature?

Michelle: Absolutely. I was talking to a friend about that; she said she didn’t have that fantasy growing up as a little girl, but I did. I do have those dreams and aspirations. You have to share what you have with somebody else. I’m the type of person that wants that in my life. Some people don’t have to have it…but I do.

Sam: (laughs) On a typical day off what do you do?

Michelle: I am such a homebody. I’d be at home watching TV; I’d be out with my family, somewhere at a restaurant. Just regular stuff. Like, I’m at home now and have been cleaning up, taking out the garbage – doing those things I don’t get to do, but enjoy doing. As I said earlier, I recently started doing a bath and body line. Doing that is very therapeutic to me.

Sam: Aside from your own project that you have coming out, which I’m sure you’re excited about – as are we, are there any other releases/artists that you are currently listening to and/or anticipating?

Michelle: Wow. Of course I’ve got to say my girl Solange Knowles. Her single ‘I Decided’ is in my head. Before you know it, I found myself singing (sings “I Decided”). I love Emily King, I know her album is out already – I think she is great. I’ve got to give the UK some love with Estelle, she is absolutely the business – I love her. As far as guys out now, I love what Kanye’s done and what he has out. I love so much music, it’s crazy.

Sam: Favourite Destiny’s Child song?

Michelle: Erm, ‘Free’ from the ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ album.

Sam: Favourite Kelly Rowland song?

Michelle: ‘Flashback’

Sam: Favourite Beyonce song?

Michelle: ‘Me, Myself & I’

Sam: Speaking of Beyonce, how was the wedding?

Michelle: I have..
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……
………

Sam: (Laughs!) Ok. Speaking on the record, ‘Unexpected’ has an International sound, will we be seeing you in the UK/Europe anytime soon?

Michelle: I will be in the UK at the end of May. I will be coming to London. I’m so excited; I can’t wait to get my Topshop on. Love Topshop…

Sam: Just like my sisters (laughs). As we’re about to round up, do have any message for your fans?

Michelle: Of course; my fans, you guys know that I love you very very very much. I thank God every day because I feel good knowing that y’all love the project that I have delivered. I’m so thankful that y’all have embraced the project with such open arms.

Sam: Michelle, thank you so much for your time…

Michelle: Thank you Sam. Thank you for the support. Much success to That Grape Juice.

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Michelle's fantastic new single 'We Break The Dawn' is available on iTunes now. Do be sure to download a copy.
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Labels: Interview, Michelle Williams

That Grape Juice was fortunate enough to catch up with the Diamond Princess herself, Trina, at the tail end of last year. During the course of our lengthy conversation, the Miami native discussed her latest effort 'Still Da Baddest' (out now), as well as a host of other issues including her much-publicised relationship with Lil' Wayne, her raunchy image, the (female) rap industry, Khia and much much more. A long, yet very revealing interview. Enjoy.

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Labels: Interview

That Grape Juice recently caught up with D. Woods from Platinum selling group Danity Kane. During the course of our telephone interview, D. Woods spoke, quite openly, about the group's success, the break-up drama, label/management opposition, her body image and much more. A long, yet interesting read. Enjoy.

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Sam: Hey D.Woods, how are you?

D.Woods: I’m great. How are you?

Sam: I’m doing fine, thank you. I’m doing fine. It’s great to be able to speak with you.

D.Woods: Likewise.

Sam: I’m sure you’ve been very busy as of late, describe your day today.

D.Woods: Oh, today. We were in rehearsal all day today. We’re actually about to shoot the video for our new single ‘Damaged’. So we’ve just been rehearsing, dancing and sweating (laughs).

Sam: That’s great. Let me just say, I’d like to congratulate you and the group on being certified Platinum with your self-titled debut.

D.Woods: Thank you.

Sam: You’re welcome.

As has been seen previously, coming from a popular reality show doesn’t always transcend into high record sales. How, then, does it feel to have achieved such a major feat with the first album?

D. Woods: It was definitely a surprise. I mean, it’s what we all hoped for, but we knew the odds that were against us. So after all our hard work, achieving it (platinum status) was like the icing on the cake because we, basically, had our dreams turned into a reality.

Sam: Ok. Your sophomore album is interestingly titled ‘Welcome To The Dollhouse’. How did the group come up with the name for the record?

D. Woods: Well, one of the records we have on the album called ‘The Key’ has a very…the music sounds kind of like a wind-up doll. So we had a whole visual brainstorming session for the direction of the album and (came up with) the fact that we can be likened to these dolls that can be made up, positioned and dressed. Yet, at the same time, we wanted to get a little bit deeper; open the doors to how we really feel because last time we didn’t really get too emotional, touch on things that matter and our personalities didn’t really shine as we would have wanted them to. This time, it’s like, welcome everyone in; we are like these dolls, pristine and whatnot, but at the same time we have other sides to us.

Sam: The record you mentioned, you said it was called ‘The Key’, right?

D. Woods: Yeah. It was written by a writer/artist named Shanell, who is actually my sister.

Sam: Yes. Is she signed with Ne-Yo?

D. Woods: Yes she is.

Sam: (laughs) I did a bit of research on that.

D. Woods: Yeah. Myself, my sister Shanell and another partner Mika, are a writing team called the The Girls Club.

Sam: Having watched the current season of Making The Band, Diddy seems to have given you ladies more of a creative input this go round. In what ways was this so and how did it impact the final product?

D. Woods: It definitely (impacted the final product). I mean, the title ‘Welcome To The Dollhouse’ is some thing that we as a group created. We definitely went toe-to-toe with him on choosing which songs (would feature on the album) out of the ones we recorded. We had a lot to say about the direction of our upcoming video. Everything, this time, is a lot more organic and believable.

Sam: You guys did a lot more writing on the album this go round, right?

D. Woods: Yes. We worked collectively to co-write. By ourselves, we wrote about six of the tracks on the album.

Sam: How many tracks are going to be featured on the album?

D. Woods: That is still in the works right now. We’re still going back and forth, choosing songs, keeping them and taking them off. I’m not sure just yet.

Sam: The album’s lead single, The Stereotypes produced ‘Damaged’ is markedly more pop sounding compared to the radio-friendly R&B on your first album. Is this the ‘sound’ we can expect to hear more of on ‘Welcome To The Dollhouse’?

D. Woods: Definitely. We definitely wanted a dance record, something that was Pop, with international appeal. We wanted something in the vein of what some other people were doing, like Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. To be honest, we wanted to have that energy because we are all dancers. I mean, we were in rehearsal today just killing it (laughs). It’s exciting for us, for me. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old and me being able to express (myself) goes hand-in-hand with the vocal part of our performance. So yeah…

Sam: Great. As well as newcomers such as The Stereotypes, who else did the group work with on the album and what collaborations etc can we expect?

D. Woods: We did a couple of songs with the producer Danja. There’s also a song called ‘Bad Girl’ that Missy Elliott features on and we were really excited to be able to work with her. Some of the other producers include The Runners, Bryan Michael-Cox, 7even. We have writing teams like The Clutch. Our vocal producer, who basically vocally produced the entire album and we wrote songs with him, was Jim Beans. He had a really wonderful way of working with our different voices, voice textures and making us blend together. He helped us find new ways to get five voices on one track.

Sam: A lot fans wanted to know when the ‘Damaged’ video will premiere.

D. Woods: We are actually shooting it this Wednesday. So soon after.

Sam: Who will be directing the video?

D. Woods: The director is Syndrome.

Sam: I’m assuming the album has been completed; you’re just in the process of selecting tracks. Do you have any personal favourites?

D. Woods: Yeah, the recording is done, we just choosing the songs. I have to say that ‘The Key’ is my personal favourite because it comes from my camp…

Sam: (laughs)

D. Woods: There’s another one I wrote on called ‘Flashback’, it’s actually an interlude. I was one of the last ones that we did. Me and Dawn wrote it. It kinda almost has an alternative/rock edge to it. After recording it as an interlude, we were like ‘Dang, we should made this a full song!’ Also, there is a song called ‘Striptease’, which myself, Dawn and Jim Beans wrote together. It’s very tongue-in-cheek, sassy, and sexy, using a lot of metaphors…it’s real sexy (laughs). I’m hoping that it will end up being a single so that we can match the visual to the cleverly written lines. Danja produced that song, so the beat is crazy.

Sam: Definitely a lot to look forward to there.

We have to talk about the drama surrounding the group this past summer. There was a lot of talk among the media, as well as some of the group members themselves about a possible break-up/new line-up etc. Obviously, now things are fine, but what exactly went down then?

D. Woods: Well, there were the rumors that we were breaking up and I stress that they were rumors, as they were never confirmed. That was never a reality, so that was that. The other part of the drama, definitely, was that we had to ‘clean house’ with our business organization. Being a group that was constructed on a reality TV show, we were not in control of a lot of the things that were going on around us. I mean, as you saw with our last album, it kind of picked up and then the ball was dropped. So, we had to address those issues and take matters into our own hands; and that takes time (to restructure your business). We had to fire our management…actually, it was a mutual split, and both parties weren’t happy (laughs). We, basically, had to pick up the pieces. There wasn’t a lot of support from the label at that time, because they didn’t know what to do with us. We really just had to pull together; we live in 5 separate cities across the country…It was just a real reality, we really found out the real reality and that was what that (the drama) was all about.

Sam: There was a rather lengthy gap between the group’s first and second single, ‘Show Stopper’ and ‘Ride For You’ respectively. Was this linked to the restructuring process you mentioned?

D. Woods: Uh huh. Yeah.

Sam: Despite selling very well with the first album, the group have stated, on quite a few occasions, that you all didn’t make any money from it. Why? How did you all safeguard yourself this time around?

D. Woods: Well, being that we weren’t allowed to write anything on the first album, I say ‘allowed’ because we definitely submitted lots of songs but they weren’t…

Sam: Allowed to be placed on the record?

D. Woods: Right. It was in other people’s best interest to not have us writing on the first album (laughs). I mean, that’s the main way you will make money when releasing an album; after you recoup everything, there’s not much left over (besides what one would receive on writing credits). I think, that during the lengthy gap between ‘Show Stopper’ and ‘Ride For You’ – as you observed – that was actually the record company figuring out that we are actually a credible group. They were figuring that out at that point.

Sam: I know a lot of fans were hoping for more singles from the record. I remember hearing a lot of calls for ‘Sleep On It’ and other tracks to be given the single treatment. For obvious reason, it…

D. Woods: With the state of the industry, a lot of record companies are not gonna risk anything. They don’t want to spend a lot of money, but they want a lot of returns. I think people weren’t sure they could spend a lot of money on us and get a return on us; but we definitely proved them wrong –time and time again (laughs). So with that, we definitely fought for the right to take creative control, to be able to write on our album, to put new management in place so that business opportunities will be there that would allow us to make money outside of just the records. At this point in the industry, you make most of you money outside of the music. We didn’t have any of that set up by our last management. We were basically doing shows and paying ourselves, the people on the road with us etc. So when the shows stopped, the money stopped. That’s the part of the industry (people don’t see). Yes, it’s ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ and glamour, but it’s a job at the same time, you know. If you’re not out there making people move their feet and clap their hands, then you don’t get paid (laughs). It’s like at IBM, if you don’t press those buttons on the computer, you’re not getting a paycheque.

Sam: … (laughs) On the current season of Making The Band, much ado has been made about the fact that you ladies reached Platinum status with the first record. Do you feel any added pressure this go round? Are you fearful of the dreaded sophomore jinx?

D. Woods: No. I feel like this is the first album that we’re doing. We’re actually able to be ourselves. I feel it’s a better way for us to step out. Already, we’ve had great feedback on ‘Damaged’. From little listening parties here and there, people are real excited about the music, images, photoshoots, everything. The photoshoots etc we are doing now are just cohesive with the music; so it feels like now we are just starting. So it doesn’t feel like ‘Oh my God, the sophomore jinx’ (laughs); it’s more like ‘Oh, we really about to do it now. We weren’t playing the last time’ (laughs).

Sam: That’s great. Bad Boy’s track record with artists is, arguably, hit and miss. How does Danity Kane plan to sustain in the industry for the long haul?

D. Woods: We just plan to learn from the mistakes of the past (laughs), keep moving forward and not rely on anyone. I mean, all of us in Danity Kane, this isn’t our first taste of the industry – we all have our own levels of experience and know what’s going on. Like if we don’t know something, we know someone that does and will get the information. We’ll have the right attorney around us to give us the information, have a music business book etc at hand and make it happen. That’s what you really have to do; do it for yourself; you can’t rely on everybody else to do it for you.

Sam: Cool. On this season of Making The Band, you have co-star with the guys from last seasons show. How does the show’s new dynamic sit with you? Did you have any apprehensions going into it, as things have obviously changed?

D. Woods: Going back into it, I was a little nervous because I didn’t know what the direction of the show was going to be and how we were going to be portrayed. I was very protective of our image; I didn’t want it to go down as some ‘Flavor Of Love’ or ‘Real World’. This is our career and we weren’t looking to make a mockery of ourselves to get camera time. So that was my main concern, but I’m very happy; we have the comedy, the drama, the little romance that keeps it interesting. Yet, it also comes back to the music and I’m glad that it’s not all about the beat down or the ‘Oh, you couldn’t get your part right in the studio’. We are actually being portrayed as artists. People can walk away from this and they can respect our process, instead of criticizing it. If you look at how we were shown on the first couple of seasons, it wasn’t bad, but they would show a lot of the downfalls, but not much explanation behind it. So the viewers at home, who don’t know about recording in the studio for 12 hours trying to make hits, they don’t understand. That’s why we had a lot to fight against the first time coming out. Now I feel that the respect level is a lot higher.

Sam: As at writing, the episodes that have aired thus far, show you and Robert (from the guys) to have a situation of sorts going on. A potential romance, perhaps?

D. Woods: No.

Sam: (Laughs!)

D. Woods: That episode you got the gist of the relationship (laughs). We made up and, by the end of that night, we had an understanding. I think when you don’t know people, you don’t know the buttons people have…it was trying me. You know, sometimes with the male macho ego, he probably thought he could just do whatever he wanted. Me just being a jokester, along with Aubrey, we just think such things are funny. I guess some people don’t have the same sense of humor (laughs).

Sam: Are there plans for any more seasons of Making The Band?

D. Woods: At this point, I don’t really know. I think we’ll find out depending on how the ratings are and what the network (MTV) is saying.

Sam: Moving on; with your evidently curvaceous build – something touched upon in previous seasons- and individuality (the hair etc), do see yourself as a role model to younger females. If so, why do you think it’s important?

D. Woods: What did you call it (laughs)?

Sam: Curvaceous build (laughs).

D. Woods: Awww

Well whether I see myself as a role model or not, I probably am. There are probably people that I will never meet that know about me, know what I’m doing, look at me in articles etc and it’s something that I always have to keep in mind…sorry what was the rest of the question (laughs)?

Sam: (Laughs / repeats question adding…) like, there was an episode from two seasons ago, where Diddy called you out (for being heavier than the other girls). A lot of the reaction was, obviously sympathy for you, and at the same time there was a collective ‘Oh wow, D. Woods is actually real. She’s just like a real woman’. So to some extent women see you as a role model.

D. Woods: I think above all, you just need to be true to yourself and that’s what I’ve been doing. As far as my physique, I’ve always been body conscious – not in an obsessive, compulsive way – but I’ve been a dancer all of my life, so I’ve always been into body conditioning, staying in shape and making sure that I’m able to perform and do what I do to my best capability. I try to maintain that in a way that’s neither mentally or physically damaging. Yes, it comes to a place where you accept genetics and you have to take care of your process and what you’re willing to do. Like, I’m not willing to change myself to fit into anyone’s mould. If you feel like I need to be a certain size to be in this group, then you probably should have picked somebody else.

Sam: (Laughs)

D. Woods: … because, no matter what, there’s certain things on me that aren’t going to change or get much smaller. Even with the hairstyle, I just do what I feel like doing. Like today, I decided to cut a little of it off (laughs). It’s all a part of how I express myself. (I) Express myself through song, through dance and through the way I look.

Sam: Who would you say are inspirations to you, as an individual?

D. Woods: My parents would listen to a lot of Soul music and those types of singers, so I was inspired by that. I was also inspired by Whitney Houston with her legendary, powerful voice. I was inspired by Patti Labelle, in the way she’s so individualistic. When you look at her, her track record, being in a group and then moving on to become a solo act, throughout she never compromised her style. The way she decides to sing or wear her hair etc, just exudes a lot of confidence (which inspires me). I’m very influenced by Hip-Hop, like Outkast, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, The Fugees, that’s the stuff I know all the lyrics to. There’s countless singers like Stevie Wonder, Brandy, Bjork, a lot of different people. I did a lot of musical theatre coming up; I majored in Theatre at college. So those are really my influences.

Sam: You have a lot of international fans (especially here in the UK), many of which are hoping to see/hear from the group this year. Will you be touring/releasing etc this year?

D. Woods: Most definitely. We’re definitely putting pressure on our label; we’re always telling them ‘y’all need to put together an international market’. We’re going to be all over the globe this year. So, yeah.

Sam: That’s awesome. A few quick random questions:

Have you heard Laurie-Ann’s new single ‘Addictive’?

D. Woods: I sure have (laughs)

Sam: (laughs) Are you liking the single?

D. Woods: How do you feel about it?

Sam: (laughs)…(silence)…Errr…

D. Woods: I’ve only seen the video once, I think I have to see/ hear it a few more times (laughs). I think it’s very interesting, I know it’s something she’s wanted to do for a while. I have to now get myself into looking at her as an artist and not a choreographer.

Sam: Uh huh. What songs you’ve had on constant rotation?

D. Woods: Without sounding cocky, I’m listening to my own music (laughs). I like it, what we put together and ready to get it all out of my system. I definitely like Kanye’s ‘Graduation’. I work out to ‘Stronger’, Rihanna’s ‘Don’t Stop The Muisc’ is another of my workout songs (laughs). I really love Alicia Keys’ album too. For some reason, I’m listening to a lot of throwback stuff recently. Like I just bought Madonna’s everything off iTunes (laughs). If someone was to go through my iPod, they’d probably wonder how it (the different music) all comes together, but somehow it just does.

Sam: Rounding up, the release date for the album?

D. Woods: March 18th

Sam: That’s great. Do you have a message for the fans?

D. Woods: Get ready to be excited. The album, the tour, everything. Get ready.

Sam: Thank you for your time.

D. Woods: Thank you.

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Danity Kane's sophomore album 'Welcome To the Dollhouse' hits stores on March 18th. In the meanwhile, you can catch D. Woods and the rest of the ladies on MTV's Making The Band 4 (check your local listings for air times).

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In this revealing interview, Grammy Award winning singer Kelly Rowland opens up to That Grape Juice about a number of issues including the highs and lows of her storied career, the forthcoming 'Ms. Kelly' re-release as well as her next album. That Grape Juice asks the questions you really want answers to. A great read, if I must say so myself :) Enjoy.

Sam: I’m here with Grammy-Award winning artist Kelly Rowland, one third of the biggest selling female group of all time Destiny’s Child.

Kelly: Wow, that’s a really cool title; nice introduction. I feel so glamorous (laughs).

Sam: Kelly, it really is an honour to finally be able to speak with you.

Kelly: Thank You.

Sam: How are you enjoying your stay here in London so far?

Kelly: I absolutely love London. I want to look for a place over here to come and camp out here for a little while. I love it. I’m really comfortable over here, I have the best fans here.

Sam: That’s great. After putting the word out on the site that we’d be interviewing you, the feedback from our readers was phenomenal. So saying that, I’m gonna fire away the questions…

Sam: Your great new single ‘Work’ is doing fantastically well here in the UK – especially the Freemasons remix. With suggestive lyrics such as ‘put it in/do it baby/do it baby’ some are a little confused about what the song is really about. Could you, please, clarify?

Kelly: (hysterical laugher) Basically, the song ‘Work’ is about the dynamic between a man and a woman – whichever you prefer. You meet somebody, you have the energy, flirting with somebody and telling them ‘In order to get a girl like me you’ve got to work, you got to put in work’. You can’t just come to me and buy me a drink and dance, maybe take me home or something like that. It’s not gonna be like that, you have to work for my attention, period, because I’m a lady (in English accent).

Sam: Indeed, you’re a lady (laughs). Ok, so upon the initial release of ‘Ms. Kelly’, ‘Work’ was a huge instant favourite among fans and general listeners as well. Many of our US readers want to know if the song is scheduled for a Stateside release?

Kelly: If they make it one in the way the UK did. The UK made ‘Work’ a great single, I have to say. I put the song out, but it’s really the fans that do everything. You know, the fans made ‘Work’ a great hit and I appreciate them for that. So if the US does the same, hey we could have something great on our hands (laughs). There’s nothing like the UK fanbase, though, I must say.

Sam: Great. We have to talk about the ‘Ms. Kelly’ re-release. Following the release of your sophomore effort ‘Ms. Kelly’ back in July last year, it’s since been announced that a revamped version of the album will be released in March this year. What’s the reason for re-releasing the project?

Kelly: I felt like the album needed a new life; so I wanted to put some new tracks on there and give it another shot, you know what I mean. So that’s exactly what I did. I recorded an amazing track with Travis McCoy from Gym Class Heroes titled ‘Daylight’ and of course the ‘Work’ Freemasons remix. It’s giving something new and different on the re-release, which is something I really wanted to do.

Sam: Is there a particular reason why a re-release of ‘Ms. Kelly’ – which I must say is my best album from last year (Kelly: Thank you) – was chosen over doing a whole new album altogether?

Kelly: Say that one more time.

Sam: Basically, was there a reason…

All: (laughter)

Sam: Was there a reason why you decided to re-release the album, as opposed to making a new album?

Kelly: You know what; I wanted to give the album another chance to be heard. I mean, I felt the first time not a lot of people knew about the album and that’s not fair to the fans, it’s not fair to me. So I wanted to make sure I released a single that would, basically, have the fans really gravitate towards the album – those who have heard it, those who haven’t heard it, those that possibly want something new as well on the release. So that’s why I made the decision.

Sam: …which is very-well understandable. Many are keen to find out what the ‘Ms. Kelly’ re-release will be serving up. Who did you work with on the new tracks?

Kelly: On the new tracks, of course the Freemasons did the remix to ‘Work’ as well as Travis McCoy on ‘Daylight’. I’m actually trying to get one more in. I’m in the studio right now and playing around here and there. I don’t know if some songs will make it or not, but I’m still working with different producers; Mark Feist, who did Destiny’s Child’s ‘Emotions’. A lot of different people.

Sam: There was something floating around about you working with Nate ‘Danja’ Hills, who did Britney’s Gimme More’. Is this correct?

Kelly: I wanna work with Danja, but Danja is really busy, he’s really busy with other artists. When he sees this, he’s gonna kill me (laughs). But I really love Danja, I’d love to work with him, he’s so talented.

Sam: Are there any track titles and/or personal favourites you could share with us from the new tracks you’ve recorded?

Kelly: From the new tracks, gosh I must say that I love them all, to be quite honest with you. There’s a song I recently did with Mark Feist that I really love. I have to say, though, that I love ‘Daylight’ with Travis. We had fun giving ‘Daylight’ (a Bobby Womack cover) a new, younger life, which was really cool; to introduce young people to some more soul and put a twist on it.

Sam: Will the original track list be preserved or will some tracks be replaced?

Kelly: Some tracks will be replaced. We are actually in the process of doing that now, piecing it together still. You want to make sure that you are making the right decisions for yourself and your fans, so that everybody’s happy.

Sam: That’s good.

Kelly: Great questions.

Sam: A lot of fans sent questions in; they were really hyped to be able to present them to you.

Kelly: Yeah, these are great questions, a lot of journalism going on. I love it.

Sam: Thank you. People want to know if there’s going to be a bonus DVD packaged with the album, perhaps, as you’ve done quite a few videos. There was the ‘Like This’ video, the ‘Ghetto’ video, I’ve seen ‘Daylight’ and ‘Work as well. Will there be a bonus DVD of sorts?

Kelly: Possibly.

Sam: Possibly

Kelly: (in posh English accent): Possibly

Sam: Possibly

Kelly: (still with English accent) Possibly

Sam: Possibly

All: (laughter)

Sam: You filmed a video for the single ‘Comeback’, right?

Kelly: Uh huh.

Sam: People really wanna know where it’s at?

Kelly: It’s so fly! I LOVE ‘Comeback’. Yeah…

Sam: Will we be seeing the video anytime soon?

Kelly: You will see the ‘Comeback’ video, on the re-release.

Sam: Of the existing tracks, the confessional ‘Still in Love with My Ex’ is the song many are hoping to be a single. Are there such plans for this?

Kelly: Yo, ya’ll have to call Sony. Make sure that whatever you want, they make it happen. First they have to, honestly, hear the fans feedback. The same way they (the fans) made ‘Work’ a big record, the fans make it happen now. Like, the artist can put out music, but look at what the fans are doing with the music industry. It’s all in their hands, so it’s really up to them. I love ‘Still In Love With my Ex’. It’s a personal confession for me, so I think that’s why it’s so close and personal to a lot of fans as well as those that, possibly, don’t even know Kelly Rowland. It’s something that really triggers and is familiar to them. I’d love for it to be a single. Anything could happen.

Sam: On ‘Ms. Kelly’ you flaunted a sassy, assertive, yet emotionally vulnerable side. What’s different with ‘Ms. Kelly’ this go round?

Kelly: For the re-release, I feel there is even more sassiness. When you think of ‘Work’, I like the fact that it was given a new life, like I said earlier. With ‘Daylight’, it brings more soul to the record, as well as the song I did with Mark Feist. It’s about me evolving as an artist and, just, trying out different things every time I put something out.

Sam: Though critically praised, ‘Ms. Kelly’s’ sales unfortunately didn’t reflect this. You’ve gone on record to say that you felt you’re label weren’t as supportive as they could have been initially; how was this so and how has it been combated this time around?

Kelly: Like I said, it takes the fans to let them see it’s a great record. They can see my passion, I think my management sees my passion, but it’s ultimately takes the label (to understand this) because they have to promote the record, they have to stand by you and be behind you. Now they are on board and everyone’s playing ball together (chuckles). So we’re all making it happen and that’s the most important thing, it’s working.

Sam: What’s your response to the calls from fans, naysayers etc that you should change labels, management etc? Because, I have to be honest with you, it’s something that is passed about quite a bit.

Kelly: It is passed about quite a bit. You know what’s so sad to me is that when people don’t know what’s going on, then they are basically entitled to their own opinion; opinions are like buttholes, everybody’s got one. The thing is, people are going to continue to say something, and they are going to continue to compare myself with Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, with Michelle, with whatever. They’ll do that forever and, of course; it’ll always be seen as what they want it to be seen as. But, you know what? Misery loves company and I don’t let miserable people bother me because I still love music, I love my family and I love everybody that I’m working with. If it needs change, then I’ll change it, when I see fit.

Sam: Great. Having experienced the ups and downs of the ever-changing music industry, what are the 3 things you see as necessary to survive in it?

Kelly: Hmm. Good people around you. I don’t keep ‘yes’ people around me; if I had a bad performance, I had a bad performance. If I was rude to somebody, I was rude to somebody and you shouldn’t act like that, you know what I mean. So it takes honest people around you. Passion. I feel like this could be taken away from me tomorrow, I’m not going to treat it like ‘Oh my God I get a number one record everyday’. That doesn’t happen. So I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in. Like when I first released the record and it didn’t do what I wanted it to do, that was also humbling. There are so many different experiences you go though that, basically, keeps your feet on the ground and I think that’s a great thing. I also think it’s something from God; I feel like this is a gift, I can’t hinder my gift at all.

Sam: The U.K. is arguably home to your most loyal fanbase, why do you think the UK is more appreciative of your music than the US?

Kelly: That’s a good question. I say, everyone’s a lot more open minded to music here. Nothing’s separated, there no ‘urban here, no pop here, this here’ Everybody listens to different types of music since they were small. At least that’s the impression I get when I talk to fans and different people who love music here. They can be like ‘Oh my God I love U2’ and in the same sentence say they love Jay-Z, that they love Coldplay or a new artist such as Adele or maybe Amy Winehouse. It’s really cool that people are open to music. Here it’s a passion, rather than a trend. Is that mean?

Sam: Nope, it’s not mean at all. It’s good that you’re being honest.

Sam: Though the ‘Ms. Kelly’ is your priority at present, have you started thinking about the direction of your next record?

Kelly: Totally. I’m just boggled right now because the sky is the limit. There are so many things I’d love to try. Like doing an album and trying out different songs, but live. Not actually recording it in the studio, but doing the song live and recording that and putting that out as an album. That would be so much fun.

Sam: So live instrumentation etc?

Kelly: Oh definitely; live instrumentation, live vocals, backgrounds, everything. Doing it with the instruments, the artist and someone that puts together music, doing it live right on the spot. I saw Timbaland with Justin Timberlake at a show and he was putting together beats, like live, and I was crying (laughs) because it was just so amazing. I love creativity, like to that point, where it just moved me to emotion. I was like, ‘I want to do something like that’. I sat home and thought ‘what can I do that will be close?’ and that would be it. To put together a whole album live, doing it in front of an audience and just make it real hot and gritty.

Sam: Any producers you’d like to work with on the next go round?

Kelly: Pharrell. I’d love to work with will.i.am. I’d LOVE to work with will.i.am. I love him. I love him and Sweetback (Sade’s band)

Sam: Moving on, do you hit up sites such as ThatGrapeJuice.net to keep yourself posted on the latest goings on in music industry?

Kelly: Sometimes. I’ve just learned that in the past when I go on blog sites not everyone is happy with themselves so they have to tear you down. So I don’t go on them anymore. I just make my own little pictures books on my computer (laughs) and learn different things to do with iMovie and I make my own little world. That’s just me, that’s what I like to do.

Sam: Just to let you know, not everybody’s hating or coming at anyone from a derogatory angle…

Kelly: No, no, I know. I just like to keep myself free from all of that. It seems like every time I wanna even look, just to get some news or anything, if I’m out of the country or whatever it is, I’m like ‘God darn it! I’m sorry, my shoe was too big’ (laughs). I know not everyone is like that, but I just like to protect myself.

Sam: Which is understandable. So, tell me a little known fact about you?

Kelly: Do people know I like to eat? (All: laughs). I love food.

Aide: We found that Thai!

Kelly: My cousin would always say ‘you don’t look like you eat as much as you do’. I’m pretty much a homebody, I don’t know if people know that. I like to pick up my nephew from school. Ermm, go the grocery store and cook. Oh and I love my Nintendo DS.

Sam: You’re obviously enjoying a lot of success this year with ‘Work’, with the upcoming re-release and whatnot, but there are also a few releases from other female heavy-weights this year– including Janet and Mariah. Whose projects are you looking forward to this year?

Kelly: I love Mariah. I really can’t wait to see what Mariah does. I was really looking forward to Alicia Keys as well and I’m definitely satisfied with the album that she brought. Janet Jackson, I can’t wait to see what she’s gonna bring.

Sam: Have you heard the ‘Feedback’ song?

Kelly: I heard ‘Feedback’; only once, but it definitely made me dance – I was in the club.

Sam: A few random bits and pieces, here. The last time you cursed somebody out?

Kelly: (laughs) (looks to aide) Was it today? I didn’t cuss you out? I’m sorry. I guess today (All: laugh). I thought you were a soldier, no pun intended (laughs).

Sam: Not sure if you’ll answer this one, but: Obama or Clinton?

Kelly: Ohh too political.

Sam: Favourite Destiny’s Child song?

Kelly: It’s from our last album, the ‘Destiny’ Fulfilled’ album, ‘Love’. I love ‘Love’, it’s so beautiful. That one, and one that goes down in history ‘Say My Name’ – that has to be one of the best tracks of all-time, if I must say so myself (laughs).

Sam: I’m sure many would agree. Your favourite Beyonce song?

Kelly: Favourite Beyonce song? Oh, ‘Flaws and All’

Sam: Favourite Michelle song?

Kelly: ‘Heart To Yours’. It’s one of the most beautiful records; I love Michelle’s voice on it and I love the production and everything. It’s just so fly and cool.

Sam: Real quick, favourite LeToya song?

Kelly: Let’s see, I liked her ‘All Eyes On Me’ record

Sam: I liked that one too.

Kelly: It was a good record.

Sam: Are there any tour plans, a live DVD? A lot of your fans want to know if you’ll be doing anything along those lines.

Kelly: I sure hope so. I’m so ready to tour; I sleep with ideas in my head. I can’t wait, that’ll be so exciting for me.

Sam: Lastly, what is your ‘Comeback’ as an artist? What makes fans comeback to Kelly Rowland?

Kelly: I think they sense I’m real, you know what I mean. I’m a real person, a real human being, a real person that loves music and they see and hear that on my records and appreciate that. I guess that’s something we identify with each other with. What you put out, you get back.

Sam: Thank you very much Kelly for your time.

Kelly: No, thank you.

Kelly's awesome new single 'Work' is in stores & iTunes now (UK). Do be sure to pick up a copy.
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