KEVIPOD Interviews Pia Toscano...
For many she was the moral winner of the latest season of American Idol, and althought she didn't make it, performing on a show watched by 20 million people each week, was more than a great platform to get better things - Pia Toscano may have ended ninth on the tenth season of FOX's singing competition but she scored what many from that season could not, first; performing on big television shows such as "Ellen", "Dancing With The Stars", "Leno", and most importantly, a record deal. Pia is now part of Interscope Records (home of Lady Gaga, OneRepublic, Eminem) and is currently working on her debut album.
Pia has already released her first single in the form of "This Time", an empowering R&B-influenced mid-tempo, written by Ester Dean (Rihanna, Britney, Katy). The single can be purchased NOW on iTunes, and it's little by little making its way up on the US airplay charts. "This Time" sold over 19,000 downloads in its first week. Pia will kick-off this week the REAL promo for the single and has scheduled a performance on 'So You Think You Can Dance' for this next Thursday, August 4th. The music video for "This Time" has also been shot and expect a world premiere any day now.
So it's all good things for Pia thus far, and we over at Directlyrics.com got the opportunity to interview Ms Toscano recently. We're so happy to finally be able to share the interview with you! In it, Pia candidly talks about details from her upcoming album - she's eyeing a Fall release - speaking of the producers who are helping her, the sound she's going for, her thoughts on "This Time", and the possibility of a second single before her CD comes out. Pia also answered other type of questions such as; what songs she's loving at the moment, with whom she'd like to collaborate one day, the last album she bought, or her thoughts on the smash hit "Friday" by our Queen Rebecca Black, LOLz. Check it all out BELOW!
The Interview
1. Hi, Pia! How is the 2011 American Idols Live Tour going so far?
The tour is going great so far! Busy and fun.
2. Are you finding time in between concerts to record your debut album, and maybe to shoot the music video for "This Time"?
Yes! We already shot the video while in town for the L.A shows... I am about 8 songs in on my album, very exciting.
3. How did you feel performing for the first time your single "This Time" in West Valley City? Were you nervous? I saw in a Youtube video the crowd responded really well to the song! And you sang it beautifully I must say.
I was very nervous because the audience had never heard my song before, but the response was great, and I loved performing my first single.
4. "This Time" was written and co-produced by Ester Dean. How was meeting Ester (who's written for Katy, Britney, Rihanna, Beyonce, and more) and the recording process of "This Time"?
I still have not met Ester yet; however it is such an honour to have a song written by her as my first single.
5. Were there other candidate songs for first single besides "This Time"? If so, was it a hard decision or did you know from the first listen "This Time" was meant to become your debut single?
It wasn't too hard to be honest; I had a feeling after the first listen that "This time" was the one.
6. For those who haven't heard it yet, describe "This Time" (available on iTunes NOW!).
"This time" is an edgy, powerful, self empowering anthem.
7. Who is helping you (producers-wise) in your debut album?
Rodney Jerkins, Harvey Mason JR, Brian Kennedy, Rock Mafia and Heather Bright have been working on my debut album.
8. Is the sound of "This Time" (acoustic, organic, mid-tempo pop sound) indicative of what your album will be like? Or will you try a bit of every style.
"This Time" is a great representation of what my sound is, however the album will be extremely eclectic and have many different shades to it.
9. Is there any tentative release date for the CD? And will you release a new single before the album comes out?
We are shooting for a Fall release; however there may be a second single before then...
10. It was recently announced you had signed a record deal with Interscope Records (home of Lady Gaga, OneRepublic, Eminem). Are you happy in this label? Are they treating you well?
This is my dream label, one of the only reasons I decided to audition for American idol (for the 5th time) was because of Interscope’s involvement.
11. After your shocking departure of American Idol (you were always my favorite), things nevertheless went great for you. You got the chance to perform on 'The Tonight Show', "Ellen', 'The Today show' and even "Dancing with the Stars". How did these performances occur? Not all artists can say to have had performed on these shows in such a short time!
After my elimination, I felt like I had a great support system from fans of the show, which lead to amazing opportunities such as being able to perform on these shows, it was truly an honour.
12. The theme of the week following your departure was "Songs from the Movies", if you had continued on the show, what song would you have picked? And why?
"Somewhere" from West Side Story. It has always been a favourite of mine.
Moving to other things now...
13. What's playing on Pia Toscano's iPod?
'Jar of Hearts', by Christina Perri, 'Gravity' by Sarah Bareilles, 'Starry Eyed' by Ellie Goulding.
14. The last album you purchased was?
Rihanna, 'Loud'
15. Pia's dream collaboration would be with?
Alicia Keys, Jay-Z and Eminem
16. Thoughts on the worldwide smash hit "Friday" by Rebecca Black? We so excited!
It’s pretty hilarious!
17. That would be all Pia. Best of luck! Thanks for sharing a bit of your time with us. Any last thing you would like to tell/share with our readers?
Thank you for all the support, hope to see you soon......