DirectLyrics Interviews Jessica Sutta: On Post-PCD Life, Hot Single "Candy" & Debut Album "Feline Resurrection"
We recently had the privilege to interview Ms. Jessica Sutta and she was generous enough to discuss all the subjects we inquired her about. Are you ready for the “Feline Resurrection”? Don’t understand what we’re saying? Then get to reading: As you should know, after the split of pop group The Pussycat Dolls in 2010, Jessica Sutta opted to remain in the music industry to fight to establish herself as a solo artist. Did she make it? She’s yet to accomplish worldwide domination but she’s already had a few victories.
Although the Dolls were over, Jess didn’t leave her fans orphan as she’s been releasing one-off singles from time to time ever since. And two of them; “Show Me” and “Lights Out” were huge hits on the Billboard Club/Dance chart! Fast-forward to 2014, Jessica has worked hard this year on completing her debut solo album which she has titled “Feline Resurrection” (now you understand?). The lead single from the album, “Candy”, was produced by a 21-year-old newcomer producer that goes by the alias of S-X and it’s all about DANCE/EDM music, a genre that is now synonymous to Jessica Sutta. She certainly feels comfortable making records that make other people feel good, and wanna dance.
“Feline Resurrection” will be coming early next year (just a bit more waiting!), and we asked Jessica all about this much-anticipated project. We also asked about “Candy”, its “delicious” music video, the post-Pussycat Dolls life, her dream collaborations, what songs she’s currently loving, among other things.
Check out this must-read interview below!!!
THE INTERVIEW
1. Hi Jessica! We are in love with “Candy”. Tell us a little bit about the untold story of the track. When you heard that infectious EDM beat for the first time, did you immediately know this had to be your new single?
Absolutely. Infectious is a perfect word to describe it. I loved the creative process with S-X. When he makes music it's magical. It's so different from anything I've ever experienced before. He journeys somewhere in his head at the most random times and excuses himself for 10-20 minutes and comes back with the bones of a new song! With “Candy” it was much the same. After the track was completed we went into the studio with lil Eddie Serrano and it all just clicked. Like kismet. It's was an undeniably sexy song that I felt needed to be shared.
2. You recently shot the music video for “Candy”. What’s the treatment about and who directed it?
Constellation Jones was the director of "Candy" and I absolutely loved working with him and his crew. He created this whole dream land filled with an abundance of candy! Even covered a Mercedes with cotton candy and gum drops. I swear I just wanted to eat the whole car! The video is all about feeding your sweet tooth cravings...in every way. Even if it's taboo and a little bit naughty.
3. How is it like working with such a young producer like S-X (only 21?) in the studio? Also, you’re helping him out with his own single, “For Myself”, now too. Will there be more collaborations of you two in a near future? It seems you have bonded!
I just love S-X. He's like a little brother to me. He stayed with us at our house during the production of the album and the house was filled with so much happiness and creative energy. I'm so grateful I was introduced to S-X. He changed the game for me and challenged me to take my art to the next level. I think there is a lot of creative synergy between us because my project also challenged him to step out of his usual genres of production and it all unveiled how much of a complete and diverse producer he really is. I'm so excited about the song, “For Myself.” It shows a different side of S-X and I'm so happy to be a part of that. I think the two of us will collaborate on many future projects together.
4. “Candy” is the latest single from your forthcoming MUCH-ANTICIPATED debut album “Feline Resurrection”. Why naming the album that?
Feline Resurrection is a phenomenon that occurs when a member of the feline species i.e. a pussycat dies and then comes back to life. In this case it is a form of rebirth. Letting go of an old part of yourself for growth to come back to life with strength and self-love. I feel that best describes where I am at in my life. I am a better, stronger, more conscious version of my former self.
5. What is the tentative release date of “Feline Resurrection”? We read that “early 2015”, but your fans can’t wait to get it. Also, is the album 100% done?
The album is finally completed! I wish I could give you a set date. If it were up to me, I would have already released it. I'm so excited to share it with the world.
6. Besides S-X, other people that have helped in the recording process of your debut LP have been Rico Love or Benny Cassette. What can you briefly tell us about your time with each of them?
I have a lot of respect for Benny Cassette. He's so incredibly talented and such a professional. He says a prayer before his sessions and just makes everybody feel respected and safe in his creative space.
Rico Love is such a humble and amazing guy. It was such an honor to have him write a single for me and to top it all off he is featured on it too! He's incredibly talented. I truly feel blessed that I got the opportunity to work with one of the best writers in the game and such a rising star.
7. Is it safe to say that “Feline Resurrection” will have a “dance music” DNA? And, will you toss in a few ballads as well?
My album is so eclectic and diverse. I really took risks and grew as a vocalist throughout the process. That's why I love singing. It's an art form that grows synonymously with you. It feels so rewarding to break barriers and improve vocally, just as it does in life. There will be some major surprises on the album that's for sure.
8. Ever since the Pussycat Dolls disbandment in 2010 you decided to stick to music and you haven’t stopped giving your fans one-off singles from time to time. “Show Me” reached #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club Chart and “Lights Out” peaked at #3 in 2013. What did it mean to you to be able to get on the high positions of the charts as a solo artist?
It meant the world to me! It made it clear to me that one should never give up, no matter how rough the road gets and how many people tell you "no". It's getting through those moments of doubt that show how strong you truly are. I think a solid work ethic and faith in your dreams and most importantly in yourself is ultimately unstoppable.
9. The majority of your solo songs after the Pussycat Dolls have all been upbeat dance tracks. Do you feel THAT is and will always be your signature sound? Did it ever cross your mind testing a different genre?
I'm a die hard dance/house music lover and will always have that sound as a part of me but in Feline Resurrection I took risks and delved into different genres and expanded my wings into different territories of expression. The more frustrated and unsafe I felt in a song the better it pushed me to conquer the fear, grow as an artist and create something that I didn't yet know I was capable of. It's always fun to prove the inner voice of doubt and insecurity wrong (and of course even more fun to prove other people's doubt wrong too!).
10. What is one memory of your time with the Pussycat Dolls that you will never forget?
The scream and roar of the crowds is something I will never forget. It wasn't just one instance that stands out. It was every time. I'm so grateful to have felt that love from our fans. Fans are everything.
11. What are Jessica Sutta’s Top 5 songs of the moment?
-
“Mother Protect” (Goldroom Remix) by Niki and the Doves
-
“Something We All Adore” (All Gone Pete Tong - Skream Miami) by Solomun
-
“Shake That” (Danssan and Marlon Hoffstadt Remix) by Nate Dogg
-
"Aware" by Leland
-
“Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj
And last but certainly not least my favorite DJ at the moment is The Magician. He makes these amazing mix tapes that you can download for free. My favorite is The Magician Mixtape Seventeen.
12. Who’s your dream collaboration?
J-LO, The Magician, Goldroom, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar
13. Thank you so much for your time, Jess! Best of luck with everything! Is there any last thing you’d like to share with our Directlyrics.com readers?
Thanks for reading! Follow me on twitter @iamjessicasutta and like my page on Facebook.com/jessicasutta and Instagram @jessicasutta So we can keep in touch!