INTERVIEW SPECIAL: SYLEENA JOHNSON

Over the past number of months you may have noticed that Sexy Never Left has been showcasing a number of interviews with acts upon the site, well this month is no different. As mentioned a few months back, I now have an interview with the incredibly talented, Syleena Johnson.

It was announced that the interview was to be posted around September last year, but with the album release date being pushed back I figured it would be better for this interview to coincide with the album release, seeing as the album is already available digitally and will be physically available next week. Here is a treat for all of you Syleena Johnson fans out there.

Your new album is due for release soon, will there be a physical release of the CD or is it just a digital release?

The album will be available on January 13th and has been released digitally on all of the major sites as of now. The physical release date will be in January.

What can fans expect from Chapter 4?

Struggle, mixed with love and maturity. It’s the very essence of who I am and have always been.

What are your feelings towards your previous record label?

It was a huge learning experience that made me stronger. A lot of the knowledge that I have today comes from that relationship and that provided me with valuable insights into the business. .

How have your experiences within the industry affected your writing process?

I write about the things that are familiar to me and that come from my life and the lives of my friends and family. The different things that I’ve experienced in the music industry have contributed to some of my work, but probably just as much as everyday living.

What are your thoughts and feelings towards artists of today?

The music industry is ever evolving and turning into something that is really cool.

If you could tour with anyone, who would you choose?

Either Anthony Hamilton or Joe. I am a great fan of their music and talent.

Will you be touring soon?

I am looking to tour in the near future. We’re in the process of working with booking agents and then I can get out in front of my fans and share ‘Chapter 4: Labor Pains’.

If so, where are you planning on taking the tour?

That is yet to be decided.

Do you have any plans for shows in the UK?

I am so thankful for the support that I have from the UK. I have received positive feedback for the three songs that are out right now: ‘It Is True’; ‘Shoo Fly’ and ‘Freedom’. I have performed in the UK many times and look to return when the opportunity arises.

Sexy Never Left believes in bringing real talent forward and giving them a chance to shine within the industry, do you think talent gets a fair deal in music today?

No, I do not. The industry is financially driven and because of that we have lost the focus on what everything should be about.

Has this always been your choice of career?

I really wanted to play basketball professionally when I was younger. I mean, it does not get any better than playing a sport for a living. It is hard work, but it is a lot different from what I am doing now as the CEO of my own label, Aneelys Records, an artist with a new album dropping in January and the mother of a new baby.

What do you believe you bring to music?

Reality, passion and strength is all reflected in my music and will continue to do so down the line.

What motivates you as an artist?

The things that I go through on a day-to-day basis. The challenges and obstacles that I face everyday continue to drive me as an artist.

If you could re-live one moment in your career so far that you've been completely happy with, what would it be?

General longevity despite all of the punches that I have taken and the completion of ‘Chapter 4: Labor Pains’, since I was able to do this on my own without being on a label.

Is there anything that you'd like to achieve in your career that you haven't already?

I would like to win a Grammy as an individual artist. I have been nominated as a supporting artist in the past, but that is not the same. I would also like to participate at the award shows like my peers. An appearance on late-night television shows would be great, too.

Are there any artists out there that you model yourself on?

Mary J. Blige, because she is true to whom she is without feeling compelled to do what everyone else is doing. I would love to have a career like she has had.

If you could say one thing to the people reading this interview, what would it be?

Go out and download ‘Chapter 4: Labor Pains’ now on iTunes, you can also buy the physical release on January 13th.

I'd like to thank Syleena Johnson for taking the time to answer these questions. This album is definitely worth the wait, Syleena Johnson always has a tendency to bring the goods when it comes to releasing new material. She has always been on top of her game and if there is one album worth purchasing, it will be her newest offering. It is beyond belief that she is still so incredibly underrated within the industry, but that doesn’t stop this artist from being incredibly talented at all that she does. Please, show your support to such an amazing talent and buy the album when it is released, you can do so if you click here.