Kelly Rowland rose to fame as one of the founding members of R&B group, Destiny’s Child, the best-selling female group of all time, according to SonyBMG. After many commercially successful releases with the group, as well as her successful collaborations with such artists as Nelly and Trina, Kelly released her first solo album in 2002 entitled, “Simply Deep”. The album, which was labeled as a pop music crossover, sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. She then returned with her second album in 2007 entitled, “Ms. Kelly”, which spawned such singles as “Like This” with rapper Eve, “Ghetto” with Snoop Dogg, as well as the international single, “Work.” Now she is back with her third release, a digital-only version of Ms. Kelly entitled, “Diva Deluxe,” which features five new songs and remixes of the original songs featured on “Ms. Kelly.” I had the divine opportunity of chatting with this sweetheart as she explains how she wants everyone to get to know her for who she is, and not what she used to be apart of.
Singersroom: I understand that you are releasing a digital-only version of Ms. Kelly entitled, “Diva Deluxe” on March 25th, can you tell me a little more about this project and how it will differ from ‘Ms. Kelly’?
Kelly Rowland: Basically we decided to put out more songs and more dance records as opposed to the original album which had more ballads.
Singersroom: I just want to say that I love what you did with ‘Daylight’. It’s always been one of my favorites and you seriously did it justice. What inspired you to want to record that particular song?
Kelly Rowland: I did the ‘Asterix’ soundtrack, which is a comic book that was turned into a movie, and they asked me and Travis (McCoy) to try out the song for the soundtrack and we liked it and I decided that I also wanted it for Diva Deluxe.
Singersroom: Were there any new or additional producers on this version of the album?
Kelly Rowland: There were all brand new producers on this version of the album.
Singersroom: Some people gave you slack on your last album. Did you feel that and did you make any adjustments to this album?
Kelly Rowland: I don’t know why they did that. Some people are just going to be negative no matter what you do. I feel that I made a record that I loved and my true fans supported me. I always say take the time to get to know me before you pass judgment.
Singersroom: Have there been any choices that you made that you regret?
Kelly Rowland: No not all. I probably would’ve made “Work” a single a lot quicker. When I went over to the UK, I discovered that they were already playing it over there and so I guess the fans decided to make “Work” a single for me.
Singersroom: How many more solo albums do you plan to release?
Kelly Rowland: As many as I can. As for Destiny’s Child, people always ask if there’s going to be a reunion, I always say that anything is possible. But for right now, we’re all concentrating on our solo careers. So, I want to make as many solo albums as I can.
Singersroom: Do you feel that the media portrays you as the person you are?
Kelly Rowland: No, I don’t. I feel that they harp more on ‘Kelly’ from Destiny’s Child instead of getting to know me for who I am. I’m a really nice person.
Singersroom: How do you think your music reflects who you really are?
Kelly Rowland: It does it in so many ways. If you just listen to some of the songs like “I’m Still In Love With My Ex,” it just tells a story and a lot of it is personal.
Singersroom: If a listener closes their eyes, Would they be able to feel you in the music as they listen to your song?
Kelly Rowland: Yes, definitely! Especially on “Love Again” and “Broken;” it’s almost like having a personal conversation with me.
Singersroom: Originally you said that you wanted ‘Ms. Kelly’ to be fun and have songs that people could bump in the club, which leads me to ask, do you club much? What do you do in your downtime?
Kelly Rowland: I go to the clubs sometime, but not too much. I mostly like to spend time with my family and friends hanging out, watching movies, you know, and just chill.
Singersroom: Who are some of your favorite artists that are out now?
Kelly Rowland: Right now I’m really feeling Alicia Keys. She’s like the only one I’m listening to at the moment.
Singersroom: Who is the one artist that you’ve never worked with before that would be the ultimate collaboration for you?
Kelly Rowland: Alicia Keys and Will.i.am. I was in a recording studio and Will was in a booth next to me and I was like, “ooh, I want you for my next album”. He was like, “Okay, okay call me.” I said, “No, I’m serious” and he said, “Okay.”
Singersroom: In addition to the release of ‘Diva Deluxe,’ what other projects are you working on right now?
Kelly Rowland: Basically, right now I’m just doing shows and promoting the new CD.
Singersroom: I have really enjoyed your guest roles on such shows as Girlfriends and Eve, do you plan to do anymore acting or do you have any movie roles coming up soon?
Kelly Rowland: Hopefully some more movie roles. I would love to do more television shows too though. I always have a lot of fun doing television shows.
Singersroom: In addition to music and acting, do you see yourself branching out into anything else such as your own fragrance, writing a book, or anything else that may be dear to your heart?
Kelly Rowland: I would like to write children’s books, and host my own daytime talk show. I think that would be so cool [to have my own talk show]. —— By: Interview By Tiffany H.
Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.