This is an interview I did with India Arie when she was promoting her CD Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship.
Shelia Goss: It’s been awhile since your last album release. What have you been doing?
India Arie: Living Life and working on my album.
Shelia: Did you feel any pressure with this album?
India Arie: Yes, I felt pressure to continue to speak to who I feel my audience is and at the same time still be able to speak my truth. I never sang anything about heartbreak or any sort of dissatisfaction or anger. I’m singing a lot about that on this album. I hope that people appreciate it still. It’s not the idealistic romantic thing that I’m known for, but it’s my truth. I also felt pressure to finish. It was a lot of work and a very hard earned album.
Shelia: Was it hard earned because some of the songs were based on real life experiences?
India Arie: That too. I’m diving in and working on myself. That’s always hard work to confront your fears, but it’s also hard work because I know more as a producer. I know more so I’m being responsible for more and that’s a lot more work.
Shelia: So you were more actively involved on this album than your previous ones?
India Arie: Yes. In my previous ones, I was always emotionally involved. This time I was technically involved and emotionally involved.
Shelia: Okay, that can be kind of draining.
India Arie: Kind of…what…It was some of the hardest work I’ve ever done.
Shelia: How do you stay motivated in between albums?
India Arie: This is what I love to do. If I have something I want to say, I’m going to put it in a song. Because I love to write songs about my life, it’s not hard to do that.
Shelia: If you could go back and change anything about your music career when you first started, what would it be?
India Arie: I think I would have done a few more independent CDs. Definitely, but you can’t go back.
Shelia: What took you so long to come out with this album?
India Arie: I’ve been busy working on it; working on myself and working on the music.
Shelia: Several singers have ventured off into acting. Do you see yourself going that route?
India Arie: It’s definitely something I’m interested in, but only if I’m interested in that actual project. I want to explore myself in that way.
Shelia: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
India Arie: Thank you for supporting me and I love you.
Shelia M Goss is an entertainment writer and the national best-selling author of over ten novels. For more information about the writer and her books, visit www.sheliagoss.com.
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