I recently had an opportunity to interview a rising
star in the RnB world: Sparkle. She sat down and gave
me a few minutes of her time to talk about music, Life
withour R.Kelly, and her new album Told You So.
Dyalekt: "To Start things off, could you tell us about
your current relationship with R. Kelly if any, and if
the two of you will be working together again."
Sparkle: "It was a good experience. I had the
opportunity to learn a lot from him but I dont see
myself working with him anytime in the future, but
never say never. Anyway, I'm currently working with a
new producer."
DY: "You mean Steve 'Stone' Huff. Explain your
relationship with him. How important is it to have a
close relationship with your producer?"
SP: "It is very important. If you gel you're gonna
make great music. R. Kelly and I were good friends,
and therefore able to make good music. Steve and I
have great chemistry and great chemistry equal great
music."
DY: "How is the new album different from the previous
one? How have you grown as an artist?"
SP: " I've grown a heckuva lot. I've been writing
more, had more control. On the first album I didn't
get to see things behind the scene. This album is
totally different. I've got great people behind me
putting work in."
DY: "I notice you wrote and co-wrote a number of songs
on the album. Is that something you plan on doing
more in the future?"
SP: "Definitely. I've got a lot of things to say and
some great songs in me."
DY: "What's your favorite song on this album?"
SP: "I can't give you one, but if I had to choose, it
would be 'Somebody Else'. It has an RnB pop kind of
feel, just kickin back and talkin about
relationships."
DY: "Your new video seems kind of like a little movie.
Is that something else that you plan to do in the
future?"
SP: "Definitely. I always have. I love to act and
bring drama. I can be silly, be funny. I'd start out
taking small parts."
DY: "Is there any one artist who's career you would
like to emulate, or maybe an artist you admire?"
SP: "All of the older women still doing it: Patty,
Aretha, Gladys. I'm interested in longevity, I want
to be around for a minute. I'd like to do some
movies, maybe stage if it suits me."
DY: "I know you have a website up
(www.sparkleonline.net). How are you involved with
the internet? Do you use it for personal reasons or
just to advertise?"
SP: "I get on the net when I can. I've been on the
road, and i usually use my downtime for sleep. When I
get a chance i like to go into chatrooms and all that
good stuff."
DY: "Has fame affected your relationships with
people?"
SP: "A little bit. Im really down to earth, laid
back, and approachable. I keep it real. Its good to
approach and say 'wassup'. With females I still get
the haters, but some appreciate."
DY: "What are your plans for this album and beyond?"
SP: "I work hard and make sure every step is a good
one. I plan to do some acting and modeling, which is
my first love, and just make music for the people."
