Backed by the likes of Jazze Pha and Ludacris, Ciara's debut album "Goodies" has moved over a million units thus far, and the young R&B princess took over this past summer. Ciara took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to me before heading over to perform her "1, 2 Step" alongside Missy Elliot on David Letterman's "Late Show."
MVRemix: Which album or song inspired you to create music? Ciara:
Ooooh - so many hot albums and songs. I think it's hard to pick just one. I could definitely say that I was inspired by Michael Jackson's thriller.
MVRemix: You've stated you wish to be the female P.Diddy, what instilled your work ethic within you? Ciara:
I think it's just that natural hunger that happened that I really have for music that's really made me want to work harder in order to get those things accomplished.
MVRemix: Do you consider yourself very much intertwined with the music industry and thus politically correct, or still able to speak freely? Ciara:
I definitely think I can speak differently about my own opinions. That's just period; no music or not. You're all entitled to your own opinions - that's what I believe.
MVRemix: What are your thoughts on Petey Pablo signing to Death Row records? Ciara:
You know what; that's his thing. Whatever makes him happy, that's what it's about. I mean Petey's a cool person and that's a good associate of mine in this industry or whatever. If that's what makes him happy, that's what it's about. I support Petey, so...
MVRemix: Do you feel pressured about your future releases because of "Goodies" platinum success? Ciara:
Um... no. I think that the word, which I don't really use if you know me, people who know me know I be like "Don't say the word." But, for the most part it really makes me want to work hard though. I was really blessed for my first single to go number one, and I'm aware that a lot of times people don't get that opportunity. So, either way I can say that I have had a number one hit single in my career.
MVRemix: I recently interviewed The O'Jays and they stated that they believe today's artists don't have the life experience to sing about what they do - they're too young and haven't gone through enough to properly articulate their feelings. What do you believe about that? Ciara:
I think it just depends on the person. I think that some people have the love experience, some people don't. I think it depends on the person. I can't say that things are very different from what they were back in the days. I know this from experience, or just watching my parents, or things my parents tell me. I just know that things aren't much different or much more fast than what they were back in the day.
MVRemix: What are your vices? Ciara:
I'm sorry?
MVRemix: In your sparse free time, what do you do to relax? Ciara:
What do I do to relax? [cell phone rings] I'm sorry, the [Zomba] label's calling. I just go home, maybe watch some DVD's. Go to the movies... hang out with my friends. I'm really simple; a very simple girl.
MVRemix: What have you been working on aside from promoting "Goodies"? Ciara:
I'm actually about to start getting back in the studio. I've been working on a few projects. Some of it is just secret though. It's a secret! [playfully chuckles]
MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la "Fight Club, "If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight"? Ciara:
If I could fight 'em?!?
MVRemix: Yup... Ciara:
Who would I fight? [ponders] Oh my goodness... I think I would fight. [ponders further] I don't know! Who would I fight... who would you see me fightin'?
MVRemix: I don't know, but I've heard answers ranging from Arnold Schwarzennaeger to Gary Coleman... Ciara:
I'd fight Arnold Schwarzennaeger.
MVRemix: You think you'd win? Ciara:
I'd get him! You know, I'm not gonna even lie. He might get me on that one. [chuckles]
MVRemix: Was there a particular situation which inspired the writing of "Goodies"? Ciara:
I just wanted to write something that I think all of us women go through. I think it common that a lot of times, guys try to approach females off of what they have. They got a Benz, a Bentley... they got the "bling bling." They just think it's that easy to get your number and my whole message is it's not about that. That is something that I think happens on the regular nowadays.
MVRemix: Do you have any last words to your fans or potential fans that are going to be reading this? Ciara:
I want to say to my fans; "I love y'all so much! I thank y'all for everything that you do for me - all the love and support." Potential fans; "Come join us! It's gonna be fun! It's gonna be a lot of goodies and I just say come join in the love."
Related content:
Ciara 2004 Interview by Hugo Lunny
Ciara 2004 Article by Hugo Lunny
Ciara 2006 Interview by Felicia Hatcher
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