Brown Girl of the Week: Trisha R. Thomas

April 15, 2010

Earlier this year I asked if you guys would like to read about fabulous women doing great things in a new column called, Brown Girl of the Week, and you all responded with a resounding “YES.” For the first installment, I had the pleasure of catching up with Trisha R. Thomas, a celebrated writer who has authored over 10 books and is most known for her popular best-selling “Nappily” series.


In bookstores May 25th!

Check out our Q&A:
BGG: What can your fans of the “Nappily” expect from your new book, “Un-Nappily In Love”?
Trisha: Venus and Jake are together. That’s the first and most important thing. I get that question more than any, will Jake and Venus stay together? Now more than ever it’s crunch time. Jake is a celebrity from his rap background and in “Un-Nappily In Love” he’s living his dream as an actor. He stars in a movie with the new ‘It Girl’ Sirena Lassiter, who also happens to share a past with Jake that will come to light. I’m hoping fans of the series will love this ending more than all the others.

BGG: Congratulations on your first novel, “Nappily Ever After,” being adapted into a Universal Pictures movie starring Halle Berry! Did you ever think that any of your books would be brought to the big screen?
Trisha: I never envisioned my book being made into a film. All I wanted was someone to read it and get what I was saying, someone to co-sign and say, ‘yeah, that’s the truth ain’t it.’ But to hear a resounding, “hell yeah, that’s the truth!”made me smile, and cry at the same time.

BGG: At what age did you know that you wanted to become a professional writer?
Trisha: Probably at age six or seven. When I could read, I knew I wanted to write.

BGG: What do you do to get back on track when you have a case of Writer’s Block?
Trisha: I love this question. I’m not afraid of Writer’s Block. I believe in its power to make you a better writer. My philosophy is this: When you hit the brick wall and you can’t go around it, or over it, you need to back it up so you can see it from a distance. The brick wall means, you’ve gone as far as you can go and it’s not leading in the right direction. Put the story in reverse, make a U-turn and go to the place that made you smile, made you confident. Start over right at that point. Writing requires more re-writing than most people realize. There’s nothing wrong with starting from a fresh perspective.

BGG: Do you create your characters based on a mix of people who you know personally or are they based solely from your imagination?
Trisha: The characters from Nappily Ever After were very close to my mind and heart. I penned it with my past and a dash of imagination. Now I write completely from imagination with a dash of my past.

BGG: What’s your favorite book? Why?
Trisha: My all time favorite book for the longest was “A Ship Made Of Paper,” by Scott Spencer. I must’ve read it three or four times. I love the way he writes putting you right in the story. Contemporary writers have a bad reputation as being too aloof with feelings, descriptions, and overall presumption. And it’s true. Most contemporary writers expect you to know what the street, buildings, sky, everything should look like. A lot of fill-in-the-blank-here. But what if your book actually made it to 2050? Wouldn’t you want someone to know what it felt like in 2000, 2010, 2020? It’s important to capture the depth of your time period whether it’s now or written for a story in the 1800’s.

BGG: What advice would you give to an unpublished author who is struggling to get a book deal with one of the popular publishing houses?
Trisha: I’d say, focus on the writing first and the publishing later. Get a full story written which is about 75,000 words. Have it read by as many people who you can find, and get their feedback. If there’s a consistent theme or question unanswered, rewrite and answer those questions. When all that is done, you’re ready to start submitting to agents and publishers. You can also go to press independently. Being with a big publishing house doesn’t create a bestseller. I know many authors who had great success as self-published writers and then signed with large publishers, only to be disappointed with dismal results. i think a good story will sell regardless of who’s doing the publishing. I love a good story with characters who you can root for. Write and be that character who succeeds in the end. Nothing can stop you when you have that attitude of finishing the race no matter what.

Have you read any of Trisha’s books? If you’ve read her debut novel, “Nappily Ever After”, are you looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation? Be sure to check out BGG in the coming weeks for your chance to win a copy of her latest book, “Un-Nappily in Love.“

Category: Brown Girl of the Week, Interviews | 16 Comments

BGG Chats with Chilli!

May 14, 2009

A few weeks ago I had the chance to catch up with Chilli, from the multi-platinum female group TLC. She recently partnered with Dasani (the Coca-Cola water brand) to serve as a spokesperson for their new campaign that celebrates everything that makes women, “refreshingly fabulous.” Although Chilli’s 38-year-old, she doesn’t look a day older than 21 and I needed to find out her secrets!

Check out our quick Q&A chat:
BGG: What made you want to be a part of the Dasani campaign?
Chilli: First of all it was so easy once I was approached by Dasani because it is my favorite water and I drink it anyway. So to be able to represent and endorse something that you love, makes everything a lot easier. I was happy to be a part of it because in the 18 years of being in this industry, I’ve always spoke out for women and tried to uplift us. This (campaign) is just a continuation of that.

BGG: What do you do to keep your skin looking so radiant?
Chilli: Thank you! It’s the water!! I don’t drink soda, I don’t smoke I don’t do any of thsoe kinds of things. I drink 7 bottles of water a day. I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s not a lot to me. We generally drink a lot throughout the day, but it’s usually stuff like soda and juices with tons of sugar in it, which are not good for our bodies. So when you drink a lot of water, it ultimately keeps your skin clear.

BGG: What items are must-haves in your makeup bag?
Chilli: I have to have lip gloss! I really don’t wear anything except when I’m working, but there’s this blush by MAC called “Peaches.” It makes you look like you’re blushing naturally because it gives just a hint of color. I love it!

BGG: I remember at one point, you were designing handbags. Are you still doing that?
Chilli: Yes, I’m still doing it. It’s a website business called “Bags by Chilli.” You can go there to order personalized bags. My son, Tre, inspired me to do it.

BGG: How old is he now?
Chilli: He’s 11-years-old now. They grow fast!

BGG: Are you continuing to pursue your singing career?
Chilli: Oh yeah definitely! T-Boz and I just got back from Japan and honey I didn’t want to leave the stage! It was amazing. It was the adrenaline and the fans singing along…it’s the best feeling in the world. It’s times like those when I know that this is what I’m supposed to be doing because it just feels too good and I don’t want to stop. Not yet!

How many glasses/bottles of water do you drink daily? What was your favorite TLC song from back-in-the-day?

Category: Interviews | 15 Comments

BGG Chats with Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine!

April 30, 2009

Last week I attended an event where bloggers were introduced to the Master of Makeup – Mr. Sam Fine. For all of you beauty buffs, you probably already know all about this Chicago native who’s painted the faces of just about every BG in entertainment. From Vanessa Williams to Gabrielle Union, Sam has beautified them all.

After penning a best-selling makeup book, “Fine Beauty,” nearly 10 years ago, he now has a DVD, The Basics of Beauty, where he divulges all of his tips and techniques in a fun, easy step-by-step guide. The DVD, which will be available next month shows viewers how to apply a full face of makeup from beginning to end. If you’ve ever wondered how to get his signature bronzy glow, or perfectly arched brow, this DVD is for you!

In the meantime, check out our Q&A: (Thanks to those readers who provided me with questions to ask. I couldn’t ask them all, but I appreciate your feedback)

BGG (Philly0309): What’s the key to achieving the perfect nude lip for African-American women?
Sam Fine: Great question! Because nude is kinda of hard for us to achieve, it’s important for us to use 3 products: liner (a dark brown liner 2 shades darker than your complexion), lipstick in a consistent shade. MAC has a good shade, as well as Yves St. Laurent and Francois Nars. Because I don’t know her complexion…

BGG: She said that she uses Bobbi Brown foundation in Honey.
SF: Ok, so any of those lines will work. I can’t think of a name of lipstick because I chop mine up and put them into a little box. MAC has a collection that’s highly pigmented, which works really well. Each of those three brands (MAC, YSL and Nars) has great consistency that will cover the color of her lip. Finally, top that off with a gloss! Dior is one of my favorites because it also has great consistency and has a really nice shimmer to it, which adds dimension to the very nude lip color. If she finds that she has too much of a varying skin-tone or that her lips are darker than her skin-tone, she should use a little bit of concealer on her mouth first and then blot. This will help achieve the color that she sees in the tube and will make it go on more consistently to get that great sexy nude shade.

BGG (Andycne): What are the three “must-have” products for every woman’s make-up bag?
SF: For every woman those three products are going to be different! Each woman has such different basics. However, three products that every woman is going to need are: a pressed powder or a loose powder, which helps to alleviate shine and makes the complexion appear more consistent in color and texture. Even if you’re not wearing foundation, you should be using powder. Mascara is something that always adds instant attention to the eyes in a very natural way. You can lick your lips! (laughing) So I would say bronzer would be the third item. Bronzer can help the skin to glow. I know it may seem like two powders, but one will help make your skin seem more consistent in color and texture, while the bronzer will add a bit of glow and luminescence to the complexion; so the two of those together are really fun products for me. Top that off with mascara, I think that makes for a natural, basic look for any woman no matter her (specific) needs.

BGG: (Rebee): What would you recommend for combating oily skin? Blotting papers or mattifying makeup?
SF: Both and all of the above! There should be one more: mattifying solutions or primers. You just have to be careful with primers because they can change the color of your foundation.

BGG: I’ve never been clear on what primers are exactly. Please explain.
SF: I don’t use them because I use powders and foundation. For me, primers help for products to grab stronger and to stay on longer. So primers can work…there are eye shadow primers and skin primers. Laura Mercier, Urban Decay and Smashbox make good ones. These are the ones that I’ve heard great things about. If you want to have your makeup last a bit longer, try some of these primers, but just remember that your makeup may change just a bit because they (primers) do have a color to them and sometimes it may change the color of your foundation, but it is a great option.


Just a few examples of his work.

BGG: (S. Bailey): What tips do you have for minimizing creases in eyelids for smoother eye shadow application/coverage?
SF: Same thing, primer. Also, if you’re going to use a bit of foundation on the eyelid, like I did on the makeovers on the DVD, I just use a bit of what’s left on the foundation sponge because you aren’t trying to cover the color of the eyelid, you just want a little bit of grab. You just want it to be a little suppler so that when you apply eye shadow it will cling more easily. You shouldn’t be applying a ton of foundation to the eyelid anyway because it folds naturally so it’s going to crease. Even if you’re not wearing any eye shadow just take a loose powder and go over your eyelids, but try not to use a lot of product in that area or any area that naturally creases. So once again eyelid primers would help.

Are you a fan of mineral makeup?
SF: NO! I think mineral makeup is nice if you want a sheer look and don’t require much coverage whatsoever.

BGG: So basically it’s for women with nearly perfect skin?
SF: Basically it is powder with a little bit of shimmer. I think we’ve been misled thinking that these products are offering this wonderful coverage without wearing anything at all, which is so untrue! So where does the coverage from? How do you highlight under your eyes? How do you find the perfect color? You’re talking about a powder that has shimmer in it. So if it has shimmer to it and you’re saying that you have texture on your skin, it’s going to bring a little bit more texture because it shines. I think if you use it on top of your foundation in certain areas…you know I really think it is hope in a bottle. I don’t know many of my sisters who are thrilled with these products. There’s no build-ability to products like that. You can’t layer on more powder to get more coverage. No powder will ever give you the coverage that foundation or concealers are going to provide. With women of color, you’re going to have to use some type of foundation due to the varying complexions; I don’t care what level of sheer it provides, whether it’s a tinted moisturizer or a cream-to-powder, it’s going to look better than one kind of product (mineral makeup) that seems so simple.

What do you enjoy working on the most on a woman’s face?
SF: It depends on who it is. Every feature is different. For example when I’m done using powder and foundation on Iman, I just am in awe of her bone structure, but I don’t stop right there. I still go for a strong eye, a nude lip and sometimes even a dark mouth. The great thing about working with celebrities and models is that you get to switch it up; that’s the fun of makeup. After working with Vanessa Williams for over 16 years, if I loved to do her eyes, I’d kind of be over them by now! (Laughing) So you have to switch it up. You can’t be afraid to pay attention to another feature. Even if you know that your eyes are your favorite feature to play up, sometimes you have to give attention to the lip because it can totally change the whole statement and shape of the face.

What do you think is the biggest beauty misconception that women of color have when it comes to makeup?
SF: That makeup is going to make them look fake and that they’re not going to look like themselves. We tend to think that makeup is going to look like it did in the 1970s or 1980s when we were just getting into makeup. Back then it was all about color and seeing makeup…strips of blush, ruby red lips, disco eyes, lashes and gloss. But really it has changed so much, if you look at J. Lo, Beyonce, Vanessa Williams, Queen Latifah, and Halle Berry, these women have on makeup – don’t be fooled! They’re enhancing their natural beauty. It’s only what you make of it. If you want great coverage you can have it, if you want to play up your eyes in a subtle, sexy way, you can have that too. Stop thinking that wearing makeup is going to make you look fake or something that you’re not. It’s going to make you look more of what you are and that’s more beautiful!

Are you looking forward to his new DVD? Have you read his book, “Fine Beauty?” Click here to check out more of his work.

**The winners of the Revlon Lashes are: Whit and Chrissy! Congrats! Please email me your mailing addresses. 🙂

Category: Beauty, Interviews | 25 Comments

BGG Chats with ‘Obsessed’ Producer Will Packer

April 22, 2009

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Hollywood film producer Will Packer. He’s the man behind several hit movies, including: Trois, Stomp the Yard, This Christmas and the new adult thriller, Obsessed, which opens nationwide this weekend. The sexy thriller stars actor Idris Elba and superstar singer/actress Beyonce Knowles in a tale about a married man who is stalked by a female co-worker and has his world turned upside down. I spoke with Will about what it was like working with Sasha Fierce aka Beyonce, his latest projects and what it takes to make it in the fickle Hollywood industry.

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: It’s so difficult for a film with a predominately African-American cast to be made in Hollywood, what do you think has been the key to your success?
Will Packer: I think that it’s an attitude of “I can do anything.” I say that because this is an industry that can be very daunting to break into. It’s also an industry that sucks the life out of a lot of people. My business partner and I didn’t have any Hollywood connections or any rich financiers to help us get off the ground, we just had pure ambition and will power. I think that has served us well in this industry. So when you say movies with a predominately African-American cast, those movies aren’t easy to get made, but the truth is that no film is easily made – it’s hard to make any movie in Hollywood. We just take the attitude of “we have a product that Hollywood needs that audiences want to see,” it’s just up to us to convince both of those segments that that’s the case.

BGG: What was it like working with Beyoncé Knowles in Obsessed since it’s such a huge departure from her previous movie roles?
WP: It was a pleasant experience. When you work with someone like a “Beyonce,” you don’t know what you’re going to get. She’s such a huge global persona. There was a point where I wondering if she’d come to set with a big entourage, would she going to have a diva attitude, are the other actors going to like her and get along…how’s it going to be? It was really pleasant because Beyonce comes to play, she really does. When she shows up on a set and I imagine it’s the same when she’s in a recording studio or on set of a music video, you know that she’s coming to work. You know that she’s showing up and she brings no attitude, no preconceived notions, she brings a work ethic that is 150% all the time and she is willing to work harder than anyone else.

BGG: You’ve worked with Idris Elba on several films, including The Gospel This Christmas what does he bring to your films?
WP: Idris is my man! I think he is one of the best actors out in Hollywood today. He’s somebody that people are learning about. He has a core following and has people know him from the Wire, but at the same time he’s not a face that mainstream America sees and says, “Oh, I know his name; that’s Idris Elba. I really do believe that he is somebody that when you look pound for pound for having talent in terms of having that leading man charisma, I think he’s one of the best. He brings depth and layers to his roles, which is very important.


Will Packer on set of Obsessed with Idris Elba and Beyonce Knowles.

BGG: What exactly does being a movie producer entail?
WP: I like to use the analogy…when you look at the Oscars, you see all of these categories, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, etc. and at the end of the night, the final award goes to the Best Picture and the producer gets that award. The analogy is that the producer is the person who brought together all of those other elements. A producer is responsible for the overall success, look and vision of a film project. That’s why we producers are always so stressed out and busy all the time because we’re trying to take care of so many different aspects of the project.

BGG: Did you ever expect your 2007 film, Stomp the Yard to be such a huge hit at the box office?
WP: Absolutely, no question! I did and I’d tell that to anybody who would listen! I think that Hollywood didn’t expect that and was surprised that it was so successful, but I knew that we had a different project that was very different and knew that there was a core audience who were familiar with stepping and the whole black college experience that would come out. I also knew that we would be able to sell it as a very cool dance movie and I knew that we had a lot of commercial potential.

BGG: What’s next for you? What projects are you currently working on?
WP: I’m in post-production on a project called Takers, which is an action movie about a young man who pulls of heist jobs around L.A. It stars Idris Elba, Chris Brown, Matt Dillon, Hayden Christensen, Michael Ealy, T.I and others.

BGG: What advice do you have for young aspiring film producers?
WP: You define your own success and your vision; your dream is not over until you say it’s over. I feel like that’s what’s important. If you’re an artist, grab a digital camcorder and share your art with the people that matter. If you’re in it for commerce, do something that has commercial matter that people are willing to pay to see. Again, I think you define your own success. No matter how many no’s you get, the only answer that really matters is the one that you give yourself.

Do you plan to see Obsessed, which will be in theaters on April 24th? Why or why not? Are you a fan of his other films, such as This Christmas or Stomp the Yard?

Category: Interviews | 28 Comments

BGG Chats with Iman!

March 11, 2009

I recently had the pleasure of asking Iman a few questions. Her stunningly regal beauty helped pave the way for women of color within the modeling world. In addition, this supermodel turned mogul also inspires women to become entrepreneurs all while exuding style and grace. She owns both a beauty company, IMAN Cosmetics and an accessories line called IMAN Global Chic, which includes handbags, jewelry and various fashion accessories. Iman is a timeless icon who exemplifies the essence of beauty.

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: After having launched your cosmetics line 15 years ago, what have you found to be the most gratifying aspect of having your own company?
Iman: Women stopping me in the street and showing me their IMAN Cosmetics products in their purses and thanking me for creating amazing products for women with skin of color.

BGG: Do you feel as though having a First Lady who is African-American will inspire fashion designers to include more women of color in their runway shows and ad campaigns?
Iman: I think you can already see that effect in magazines but let’s not forget the hard work that my dear friend Bethann Hardison has spearheaded a year ago by challenging the status quo. Click here to read more about Bethann Hardison’s effort to combat racism in fashion in the New York Times.

BGG: You are a trailblazer when it comes to women entrepreneurs and aspiring models, who were some of your role models?
Iman: My mother to start with but I would say also Naomi Sims.

BGG: You’ve had two very successful makeup books, “I Am Iman” and “The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color”, do you foresee doing another one in the near future?
Iman: I would love to write book on how to be an entrepreneur and definitely one on style.

BGG: I know that you’re extremely charitable. What does your role as the Global Ambassador for “Keep a Child Alive,” entail?
Iman: Keep a Child Alive (www.keepachildalive.org) is an organization that provides ARV drugs for children and families affected with AIDS in Africa and my role is to put focus on how the public can donate as little as one dollar to save a live and most importantly that AIDS is a manageable disease if you have the medication.

BGG: What are the top 3 must-haves in your makeup bag?
Iman: IMAN Cosmetics Stick Foundation, IMAN Afterglow bronzer/blush, IMAN Lip shine in Nude

BGG: What does beauty mean to you?
Iman: To be happy in your own skin and your god given features.

Check out Iman’s must-haves.


IMAN Lip Shine


IMAN After-Glow Bronzer/Blush


IMAN Foundation Stick

All products are available at www.imancosmetics.com

**One lucky reader will win an IMAN Eye-Defining Powder in Vixen (a $10.99 value), which happens to be one of my favorite new products (Antithesis, I’ve finally given eye-shadow a try)! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

**The winner of the O.P.I nail polish in “Paint My Moji-toes Red” is Kinky Rhonnie! Please email me your mailing address. Congrats!!

Category: Beauty, Interviews | 35 Comments

BGG Chats with Musiq Soulchild!

March 3, 2009


I recently had the opportunity to speak with neo-soul, R&B singer Musiq Soulchild. We discussed his participation with last month’s Coca-Cola’s “BE” message, which is communicated through a print campaign that inspires the human spirit through contemporary illustrations with original poetry. We also discussed his latest CD, “On The Radio.” From his sweet and sultry ballads to mid-tempo songs, Musiq always deliver music that speak to the masses.

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: Why did you choose to be a part of the Coca-Cola sponsored campaign?
Musiq: I was inspired by it because I believe that people should be encouraged to acknowledge historical events, but also acknowledge and recognize what’s going on in our day and time and what’s being contributed to our communities. In fact, I believe that everybody can contribute to black history. I know that many people only think about it when February comes around, but it’s a good thing that there’s a time set aside for it, but everybody can do whatever they can throughout the year.

Even though this campaign was intended for Black History Month, we (Coca-Cola) want it to be something that can be perpetuated throughout the year because we live it everyday. I just thought it was a genius way of revamping Black History Month. Coca-Cola is one of the companies that actually did something for Black History Month and I just wanted to be a part of that.

BGG: Out of the campaign’s message: “BE Legendary,” “BE Driven,” “BE Giving,” and “BE Heard,” which one do you feel is the most important for young people to be?
M: It’s challenging to choose because you need all of those actions in order to achieve your goals and reach your dreams. It pays for you to be “giving” in order for you to know how to receive. There are many people who are so focused on what they can get out of it or what people can do for them, but not a lot of individuals consider what they can do for others. Whenever you give, you open that door to receive. You have to be “heard” because nobody knows what’s going on in your head or what you want out of life and nobody knows what your intentions are so it’s good for you to speak up for yourself. There’s something to be said about articulating and communicating your thoughts and ideas to a person, a group of people or to the entire world.

Let your thoughts and views on life to be heard because it might inspire other people. It’s going to take the pursuit of being “legendary” to persevere through any obstacles that may come your way. You have to recognize that problems are just there to challenge you and for you to get through them and overcome them. It takes being “driven” to recognize that you have what it takes to accomplish your goals.

BGG: How do you think the recent election of our new president will impact young African-American people?
M: I think it will impact young African-American people greatly, but more so, I think it’s going to impact young people in general. President Barack Obama is in office because he was BE, he dared to be legendary; I just think that is inspirational. Again, I believe that ultimately young people in general will be impacted.

BGG: What can people who haven’t already purchased, “On My Radio,” expect when they listen to your CD?
M: If you’ve already been exposed to my music, this album is a little more diverse. I intentionally made it that way because I wanted to enhance people’s perspective of me musically. I wanted people to know that there’s more to Musiq Soulchild than making ballads all day. I love making ballads; in fact I can do that in my sleep because it’s very simple for me. However, not everybody listens to that kind of music and I wanted to make music for anybody who’s willing to listen. So in this case, I wanted to be heard in a different way than from what people already know and expect from me. If you haven’t heard my stuff and you’re interested in what I have to offer, I’d just say that it’s a nice body of work.

BGG: What does Musiq listen to? Who are some of your favorite musical artists? Past or Present.
M: Past, a lot of great soul artists like, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway a lot of jazz and reggae artists like Bob Marley and John Coltrane. Present day, Kanye West, Jazmine Sullivan there’s a lot of different people out there that I’m listening to right now.

BGG: Do you feel as though music is taking a shift in a bit more positive direction?
M: I think there have always been positive aspects in music; it’s just that the attention has been put on other things. I think the attention is being put on more things, than not recently, which is a good thing because we could really use a lot more positive reinforcements.

BGG: Who or what would you say is your single most inspiration for creating music?
M: People inspire me. My pursuit in providing good service to my fellow persons through music inspires me.

BGG: What do you hope people get from your music?
M: I’d like to be known as an artist. I don’t think that it’s fair to create parameters around an artist. If an artist wants to just do one thing and stick to that script then it’s cool, but if that person chooses to change because they’ve changed as people and they want to communicate that change, people should at least leave room to entertain it because it might be something that you’ll like. I want people to know that I’m an artist – I just express myself through music.

BGG: What’s next for you? Are you on tour now?
M: Yes, I’m currently touring with Ne-Yo, Jazmine Sullivan right now.

Are you a fan of Musiq’s songs? If so, what’s your favorite song by him?

Category: Interviews | 22 Comments

BGG Chats with Newcomer Suai

October 7, 2008


You may not know her name yet, but that will soon change. Suai (pronounced “sway”) is a hot new Universal/Motown artist who is sure to set the airwaves on fire with her unique sound. Having already made an appearance on BET’s hit show, Baldwin Hills, as well as being one of the esteemed artists featured on the “Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement” CD for Barack Obama, this Detroit native is ready to take the music world by storm.

Check out my Q&A with this talented new singer:

BGG: Is Suai your birth name? If so, what does it mean?
Suai: My parents didn’t know this when they named me, but later found out that it means “beautiful” in Thai. When I was a little girl, my mother and I came up with an acronym for it, “Smart, Unique, Assertive, Individual.” So yes, that’s my real name.

BGG: Who are some of the artists you’ve opened for so far?
Suai: Last summer I opened for T-Pain and it was a lot of fun. I had a band, a dancer and my background dancers. A lot of my friends were in the front row so it felt like all of these people were there to see me! (laughing)
Brian McKnight was my first professional opening back in 2004. I’ve been signed for 3 years to Universal.

BGG: A lot of people think that many artists’ success comes overnight, but that’s not the case.
Suai: No, it’s a process. Some people get in there and have an album out quicker than 3 years, but for us we wanted to take our time and do it right, as opposed to just putting out anything.

BGG: Hailing from the Motor City, who is your favorite old-school Motown artist?
Suai: I love the Temptations. They were just so fly to me! I’m a female so you’d probably think that it would be somebody like Diana Ross, but the Temptations… I feel like everyone patterns themselves after them. You know the matching suits and their moves were so smooth.

BGG: Tell me how you got signed to Universal/Motown?
Suai: I actually got signed in 2005, but I first came here (New York) in 2004. I auditioned with several different labels, but I got a lot of no’s at first. That gave me a thick skin. It was so hard to hear “no” so many times. I was out here to audition for another label and we ran into this guy who knew Sylvia Rhone (the President of Universal/Motown). He called her and she told him to come on up. I was toting my heavy guitar all around New York I think I was 18 or 19 at the time. I played two songs on my guitar and then we found a piano on another floor and I played two songs on there. She was like, “I love it, I get it, let’s do it!”

BGG: So Sylvia Rhone was the one who signed you?
Suai: Yes, it’s crazy and everybody knows it! It’s pressure, but I try not to think about it and just bring it. I’m known as “Sylvia Rhone’s artist” so they know that she’s put out greatness so they expect me to be great, fly and sell millions. It’s pressure but I’m just trying to do me.

BGG: So what’s the music landscape like in Detroit?
Suai: It’s live…meaning instrumentation. There are a lot of independent artists trying to stake their claim in the city. I like the fact that there are so many types of music for everybody. We have a bit of a rock & roll history too. So there’s a little bit of everything. Somewhere I fit in there! There’s a nice little neo-soul movement going on there too now.

BGG: What can listeners expect to hear from your debut release?
Suai: Yay! That’s my favorite question! (laughing) It’s my favorite question because I am very proud of the fact it’s not one genre. It’s at least 4 of 5 that I can hear; someone else might hear something else! I’ve got hip-hop soul, R&B, pop, alternative…there’s something for everybody. Even if it wasn’t me, it’s an album that I’d always play. I’m so excited!

BGG: What producers have you worked with?
Suai: Sylvia Rhone, Bryan-Michael Cox, Polow the Don, Carvin & Ivan, Linda Perry, Nephew, etc. Having being signed for 3 years you can imagine that I’ve worked with a lot of producers some of the biggest and the best, as well as some new up-and-coming ones too.

BGG: Do you know what’s going to be your first single?
Suai: We’re still deciding, but I know I’d like for “Come Out, Come Out” to be the first single. It’s a song that I wrote at home by myself and I co-produced it too; so it’s special to me because it’s showcasing me as a writer, producer and musician because I’m playing keys on it too. I would love to have that as a first single to let people know that I’m not just a voice and a fly outfit! (laughing)

Check out a snippet of her performing here:

BGG: I hear you mention a lot of instruments, how many do you play?
Suai: I play piano, guitar, I’ve studied cello and flute. But I perform on piano mostly and every now and then I pick up the guitar. I’m going to buy a cello one day!! (laughing)

BGG: Who are some of your music role models?
Suai: Growing up I was listening to Brandy! I met her and I did the whole fan thing. I went up to her and said, “Can I have a hug?” (laughing) I’m an 80s/90s baby so people like Jodeci, Guy, K-Ci & JoJo, Next, Blackstreet…you know all of those. From ages 15-17 I was a self-professed jazz head so I was listening to Ella (Fitzgerald) and Billie (Holiday) who are two of my favorite artists. My mom wanted me to be exposed to a lot of different kinds of music.

BGG: How is your music and overall style different from other young R&B female artists?
Suai: I think what’s going to separate me from the pack is that I’m a stage rat. I love to be on stage. I’ve expressed to my label that I want to be on the road 9 to 10 months out of the year. I want to work this album! I don’t care if they’re small club dates or opening for somebody at a stadium, I just want to be out there. I just love to be on the road! Being on stage is it for me. I believe that my passion for the stage is definitely going to help separate me from other artists.

BGG: Years from now, down the road, what would you like to be known for?
Suai: I would want people to know that I was great. I’d love to have the opportunity to open a performing arts boarding school in Detroit. I just feel like performing arts is a universal language. It was given to me and I really appreciate it.

Be on the lookout for her debut CD in the coming months. For more information, check out her website, www.suaionline.com.

Do you remember when some of your favorite artists first started?

For those of you who are in the NYC area, she will be performing tonight at Tillman’s at 11pm.

Category: Interviews, Music | 23 Comments