[Opening Monologue]
We for the final episode of the series I thought it would be great to have an extended edition, it’s been another fairly quiet week, All Around The World is back for a second series which promises to produce a “superstar”, I ain’t gonna say a word.
And rap seems to be on the verge of taking over, tired clichés at the ready, proven when Rel was accused of shooting someone and Allura Silk and Jay-C sing about sex, yep the world is really at this point again.
Anyway, on with the show.
Tonight’s guest needs no introduction, she’s easily the most recognizable star in music today and she’s back with a new album soon as well as a child for the very first time. It’s the incredible Stephanie ‘Fierce’ Johnson.Jake: Stephanie Fierce, superhuman. Is there anything you can’t do?
Stephanie F. Johnson: Thank you! I’m so excited to be here *looks up and around* If there is anything I can’t do, it is host a show like this. This is just incredible. Don't know how you do it honestly.
Jake: Your back with your new album called Newborn, when can we expect that to be released?
Stephanie F. Johnson: When I finished recording the album, I thought about the release date for a while. The album was intentionally meant to be released in March or later on in the spring of 2011 that way I didn’t had to rush the post-production and promo. However, I thought it would be cool to have the release date on my birthday since the album is called “Newborn”. So February 14, 2011 is the date. I know albums are originally released on Tuesday to have the biggest charting possible in the US, but at this point; I don’t really care about that. I might release my next album on a Thursday or something close to that; I have total control of that now. I honestly, just want my fans to have the album as soon as possible so as far as promotion goes for this album, I'm not going to be everywhere, and obviously my pregnancy gets in the way of a lot of things. Sometimes I just need to sit down and rest and enjoy my pregnancy. However, I have music in my blood so I can't help myself.
Jake: And I’d have my own theory’s as I’m sure many people have but what is the meaning behind the album title?
Stephanie F. Johnson: The album is not literally about me being born again. I'm like come one now! I am aware that is impossible. Some people take things and make them a bigger deal than what it is. I feel like the only way to take all the negative energy away is to start all over with a fresh mind and that's what the title represents musically and personally.
I have all the right to do that and some people feel as if I'm trying to be something I'm not. However, you'll see that this album still reflects my past work but at the same time provides a whole new outlook. Sort of like a baby who carries over their parents genes, even the dirty ones.
I'm definitely keeping it fierce, but I'm also keeping it fresh. I'm lucky I even get to have an opinion. I might as well take advantage of that, right? There are a lot people in Africa right now dying because they can't voice their opinion, otherwise they get shot.
But yeah that's what the album represents. I'm applying that concept to everything. Even to the more catchy less serious songs on the album.
Jake: Your first single from the album is called suffer, what can you tell us about that single?
Stephanie F. Johnson: The single is simply an anthem. Universally, I haven't heard one in a while. Everyone is talking about how bad they are, how trashy they can be, how weird they can be, how loud they can be, how artistic they can be, how much money they can get, how cute they look, what type of clothing they wear and stepping on each other basically. But I think it is time we talk about real problems in life, problems that actually matter and problems that both men and women can relate to. So this single does just that. However, it has a twist because I always represent my ladies. You know I sure do *giggles*
But you may ask yourself when does all the suffering stop? Unfortunately it may never. That’s just the cold truth. It can get pretty tragic. This song contradicts the title of the album. I did that purposely to show that I’m not this psycho chick who believes we can actually be born again. Sometimes everything in life goes downhill and we fail. The only way to start again is to “be born again”. Is that possible? You decide. That right there is the message. It might take a while to get it. But when you do it will make your life a whole lot better. It did to mine.
Instrumentally it has a “industrial” sound to it, mainly because the song is just raw itself and I just wanted to represent how we all feel, musically.
You know I could have chosen the catchiest song on the album but I chose not to. I mean, the song delivers don’t get me wrong, but it’s not your typical “Oh I’m back” song. As I said in my other interviews, I’m not trying to make a comeback. I’m just re-presenting myself and making a statement more clear this time around.
Jake: You’ve worked with some absolute legends of music, what is like to work so closely with so many different people?
Stephanie f. Johnson: It's definitely been a blessing to work with so many people. I love working with other bands and musician because it gives me a time to learn and expand my knowledge about music. Let’s put our egos aside for a second and realize that some people have something you don’t. I think that's why I can be very versatile. But working with people I've looked up to has been so surreal. Til this day, I still wake up and say I actually worked with GirlSpice. I actually worked with the Rockers. I actually worked with Bikki and so and so.
All my collaborations def keep my album vibrant and diverse, which is what I try to do with my music. As a mainstream artist your goal is to reach as many people as possible. Whoever disagrees with that is simply contradicting themselves.
Jake: Any collaborations on your new album?
Stephanie F. Johnson: As far as collaborations meaning production, writing and all that good stuff, I have worked with the Producers; which by the way are probably one of the best instrumental bands ever. I worked with Jakey Comatose, and a few more on this record. I'm really proud of how all the collaborations came out and I have a few surprises here and there. The collaborations are actually more serious than the solo records.
Immune is about fighting to stay alive no matter what happens. This song has two perspectives. Jakey's and Mine. So it's very touching and I have to be very careful how I portray that song to the market. It's very special to my heart and to him as well.
Jake: I read somewhere that you’ve got a total of 40 tracks recorded, will we get to hear all 40 of them or is it still a selection process?
Stephanie F. Johnson: I miss the days when you would get all this free music along with the single purchases. I thought it would be nice for my fans to hear all this free stuff from me. So I've recorded acoustic versions or rough cuts of the songs. I basically will be giving them away for free. People looked at me crazy when I came up with the idea. I asked them is it possible? They answered yes. Then I said, then why the hell shouldn't I do it. So I did it *giggles*
Jake: And now onto a tricky subject, your father has announced that he’s going to release some early demo’s of you singing what did you feel when you heard that?
Stephanie F. Johnson: I just found out about it not too long ago. This is something that’s very wrong and I’m shocked by what he is doing. As much as I hate to say this because of pride. I’m very hurt by his decision. He promised me he would keep that for himself as a child hood memory and It hurts me that he’s using that as a way to get back at me or benefit himself financially. There’s nothing I can do about it since he owns all the rights. I was obviously an amateur and I’m going to be honest I’m afraid and feel embarrassed in some way. I don’t remember how I sound in those records. So I’m very nervous to hear what I sound like.
It just hurts. Another reason to hate him.
Jake: What’s your relationship with you father like?
Stephanie F. Johnson: Right now obviously it’s not there. However, me and my father were close before my mother passed away. After my mom passed, We just sort of….slowly…stopped connecting with each other as father and daughter.
Jake: What did you make of Stephanie Ortiz recent comments about you and do you have anything to say in response?
Stephanie F. Johnson: She really needs to appreciate what she has. Stephanie Ortiz claimed that we weren’t friends and more like business partners. That really shocked me. She didn’t attend my wedding because she was a business partner. However, I just now realized that she was totally right. We’re just business partners, we were never friends. A true friend would never say that.
However, it wasn’t a beef, because I had nothing against her. It just obviously seems like she just has something against me. *shrugs* So Ortiz, my new album comes out February 14, 2011. Make sure to get it on stores and you are welcomed to cover any of the songs. Maybe you won’t be so underrated anymore.
All jokes aside, I worked sweat, blood and tears to where I am honey. I wasn’t a rich kid like you growing up, so next time, choose a wiser excuse.
Jake: The music industry in my view has a lot of great new talent that has recently surfaced, do you keep up with the newest artist and who would you say is most promising?
Stephanie F. Johnson: I obviously have to since I manage Hot Eye Records. I’m not going to mention any names. It’s just my personal interest to look into new fresh people. I say the one who sounds like they aren’t “promising’ are always the ones who are promising. It’s pretty unpredictable, but obviously you know what talent is when you see/hear it. They just have to use it to the fullest.
Jake: Who would be your dream collaboration, someone who you haven’t worked with yet?
Stephanie F. Johnson: I’ve had the privilege to work with one of the most talented people I ever met. At this point, it’s not about that anymore, so I can’t really say I have a “dream collaboration”. I want to make a song in space and do a collaboration with the star dust.
Jake: I kind of feel like we should really be against each other, you run Hot Eye Records and I’m running Junction Records but I can’t help but be polite, you’re an icon and I’m not afraid to say that I’m a massive fan of yours, what do you make of your achievements?
*giggles* There’s no problem with that. Business is not about dividing yourself, because if you do that you’re dividing yourself from the other half. You can be friends with your “competition”.
I’m just very proud and feel blessed to be where I am today. I appreciate everything I have. Sometimes my ego gets in the way of things, but I always find a way to put it aside. You can’t blame me really. Sometimes my ego get’s me even farther in life. So I don’t necessarily hate it. However, some people do hate it, because it simply annoying the living hell out of them. I’ll shed a tear of you.
That was my ego speaking just now. As I said you can’t blame me.
Jake: Your not afraid to speak your mind so I’m gonna take my chance to get a feud going, is there anyone you dislike in the industry, worth a asking right?
Stephanie F. Johnson: *taps Jake in the head with her hand* You'll be okay, Jake *giggles*.
Ok fine, How about this. How about I come back to your show in the future and do a performance? We're rivals right? What do you say? I have a baby to pop out first though.
Jake: You'd be here every week if I had my way. I'd be honoured to have you perform on the show in the future. I wish you and your family a lifetime of happiness.
Stephanie F. Johnson: All jokes aside, once again I'm really proud of your show. It was nice to be here. . Wish you all the success. Yall need to watch this show, forever and ever. This guys deserves it! Hell yes!
