Janet--the interview
free to be
By Helen A. Lee
This article appeared
in the June/July 2001
issue of Sophisticate's Black Hair.
Since her first foray to the top of the pop charts in 1986, musical diva Janet Jackson has never shown any signs of slowing down. Now that her new album All For You (Virgin Records) is out, and with a world tour in the works, she's ready to take the Rhythm Nation by storm once again.
All For Freedom
"I feel free. I really do, and it's a good thing," says entertainer Janet Jackson about her life, which has changed quite a bit in the last few years. New to the singles scene after the end of her marriage, it's only natural that her new album covers different aspects of love and relationships. "I've been introduced to a whole new world that I've never experienced before," the singer marvels. "I feel like a kid again, really."
This time around, Janet's album is filled with tuneful soul and dance grooves, as well as a celebration of her roots. "It sounds very liberating, melodically speaking, and vocally, you can hear it too," Janet reveals about her music.
Music Notes
Meanwhile, the album's first single--also titled "All For You"--has already made it to the top of the Billboard charts. Like many of her new songs, it's all about the single life. Janet confesses: "It was just inspired from my experience, going to clubs, having fun with friends, seeing someone who might be attracted to you, that you can tell wants to approach you, but intimidation pretty much gets in the way. It is pretty sad. That's happened to me all my life. Anyone that I have ever gone out with, I've asked out...so hopefully, that will change."
Though this album is different from her previous effect, the introspective The Velvet Rope, Janet doesn't feel the need to reinvent herself from project to projdct. "It's just where I am at that moment in my life," she offers. "I like to try different things, do different things. But it's never this conscious effort to try to invent myself. It's just the space I'm in my life at that moment."
Superstar Status
As her album rakes in the sales, Janet's star likewise continues to rise. The top entertainer was honored at an "mtvICON" celebration as an influential performer and trendsetter. "I am truly honored," Janet says about the award. "When I heard that MTV wanted to honor me, I was speechless. I feel young. There's still so much that I want to do, need to do, for myself in this business. And I was just so surprised."
So does she feel like an icon? Not really, thanks to a little help from her famous family and a few friends. "Those are the people I always want to keep around me. Those to me are the real friends. Not the ones who always say 'yes.' Not the ones who always say everything I do is great or awesome. Those are the people I want around. That's real. That's how I've done it so far." And as Janet's career continues to blossom with no end it sight, that's how she may do it for a long time to come.
Sidebar: JANET'S TAKE ON...
CDs She's Listening To Now: "Jill Scott, Outkast, St. Germain, Thievery Corporation. What I've been listening to the most--and this is an old CD, but I have to pop it in--Buena Vista Social Club. It relaxes me."
Baby-Making Songs On Her CD: "You have your ballads that are really sweet. Then you have your 'baby-making songs,' which go beyond the sweetness. They get a little dirty in a good way."
Listening To Her Own Songs: "Whenever my music comes on in a club, I never get up and dance. I get embarrassed. But if I were home along, I'd dance!"
Advice To Young Stars: "'Stop and enjoy it' is what I'd say to them. Keep your feet on the ground."