Exclusive Q&A Session With Syleena Johnson

When Syleena Johnson made her presence in the music industry, people stood and took notice. The Chicago native voice belted out a sound that instantly put her into a league of her own. Signed to Jive Records, Syleena released 3 albums where she always infused real life experiences into her music. Syleena has since departed from Jive Records and in 2006; she launched her own label, Aneelys Records, which is Syleena spelled backwards. The R&B singer and songwriter felt it was time to take control over her own destiny and hall full reign over her music career. In an industry where there are so many ups and downs, Syleena has shown she has what it takes to weather the storm. Syleena is set to release her first album off her new independent label “Chapter 4: Labor Pains,” on September 2. The first single “It Is True,” solidifies that Syleena has one of the best singing voices of our times. “Chaper 4: Labor Pains,” is Syleena’s best work yet. This album without a doubt will launch Syleena’s career to the next level. To learn more about Syleena Johnson and to hear her new single, “It Is True,” visit www.myspace.com/syleenajohnson. Please check out the following exclusive Q&A session with Syleena Johnson.

Onetta: Which role has been the most challenging for you; the role as a music artist or the role as a wife and mother?

Syleena Johnson: Being a new mom and wife are definitely not easy. As an artist it was pretty much all about me. But now I have the responsibility of taking care of my son, who is the most important thing to me in the world and also being a good wife. But, I am happy with where I’m at in my life and truly wouldn’t change a thing.

Onetta: Usually when we bring a life into this world, many things change for us. We gain a different perspective on life or we stop doing certain things we use to do. When you became a mother, what changed for you?

Syleena Johnson: My life changed completely. You always hear about how your life is going to change, but I do not think you really understand just how much it does. You go through the preparations and think you are ready, but then when the baby is here, he is here. Now, your focus is making sure that you are the best mother that you can possibly be and making sure that your child has all that they need.

Onetta: What do you do or where do you go when you need some “me time?”

Syleena Johnson: I like to go to the movies. I am also a “girly girl” and like to go to the spa, get my nails done and stuff like that. But, between my new album, Chapter 4: Labor Pains, coming out soon and all of my responsibilities outside of my family like being the CEO of my own label, Aneelys Records, it is not that easy for me to get that “me time.”

Onetta: The music industry is a tough business to maneuver through. What has been the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome as an artist?

Syleena Johnson: I would have to say exposure and support. I do not think that I got that kind of support earlier in my career and now I am glad that I have my own label so all fingers point back at me if something is not going right.

Onetta: “Chapter 4: Labor Pains,” is your next album set to be released on September 2. What are you most proud of about this album?

Syleena Johnson: First is the fact that we were able to get it done. I am also proud that I wrote all of the songs except for a remake that I did of one of my father, Syl Johnson songs, “Is It Because I’m Black.”

Onetta: “It Is True,” is your hot new single. Is that song about anyone in particular?

Syleena Johnson: It is about the love that strong love that I have for my husband. He is the inspiration behind that song and I think the lyrics show how I really feel about him.

Onetta: Angie Stone has a song with lyrics that says “I’m happy being me; I’m regretting nothing about me.” Have you reached the point in your life where you are happy and secure with who you are? You are able to love you attributes and embrace you flaws.

Syleena Johnson: It is funny that you asked that because I have a song on my upcoming album called “Be Me” and I really am happy with who I am. As an artist I have gone through some things and have felt some pressure to kind of fit a mold. Those days are over and now I can be the Syleena Johnson that I want to be.

Onetta: You have a tremendous fan base. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?

Syleena Johnson: My fans are great and I appreciate all of their support throughout the years. Chapter 4: Labor Pains is coming out digitally on September 2, so please go out and get it. You can also keep up with all that I have going on by visiting my Myspace page: www.myspace.com/syleenajohnson.