Joss Stone: A Soul Session

By Lisa Dumas
Co-Editor

Joss Stone is ready to make her mark in the music world. She won the British TV talent show "Star For A Night" at age 14 and she's been hard at work ever since. The 16 year-old singing sensation hails from Devon, England, and has just released her first CD titled Soul Sessions. It's a collection of re-interpreted classic soul that includes collaborations with artists like The Roots, Angie Stone, and the legendary Betty Wright.

With her first CD of new material due out next year, Shine caught up with Joss to find out how things are going so far, and what she has in mind for the future.

Shine: When did you become interested in singing?

Joss: I did a television show in England a few years ago. Before that I used to sing around the house and stuff like that, but I didn't really take it seriously.

Shine: What made you lean toward Soul and R&B music?

Joss: It's very different than other types of music. Everything is sung with feeling. I connect with it. It's the type of music that sparks different emotions.

Shine: What type of music did you listen to growing up?

Joss: Everything really--mostly R&B and Soul, and some reggae. A mixture of things.

Shine: You've mentioned before that, in the beginning, you faced some challenges as far as getting people to accept you as a white R&B artist. Is that an issue you're still dealing with?

Joss: A little bit. It's just weird how people notice it. I never thought of it before coming into the music industry. But you can't see music--you hear it--so it shouldn't matter. I think it's a little strange. Maybe it's something I can change.

Shine: Dealing with the pressure and stress of the music industry can be a lot for a 16 year-old to handle. Do you ever feel overwhelmed?

Joss: Not really, it's all good. I'm learning things every day. It's a good experience. I love meeting people. It's good to get the experience of different places. And it's not like I'm a celebrity or anything, so it's not overwhelming. Not yet anyway.

Shine: Who are some artists, past or present, that have inspired you?

Joss: Aretha Franklin, India Arie, Lauryn Hill…people like that. And James Brown. He's great.

Shine: What was it like working with Betty Wright, Latimore, The Roots, Angie Stone and all the talented artists who worked with you on Soul Sessions?

Joss: It was great, what can I say? I mean, Angie Stone? I love her album. I was listening to it over and over. Betty Wright, she's such a beautiful person, you can't forget her. Every time she opens her mouth something comes out that's inspiring. Not to mention she's a brilliant singer. It sort of rubs off, hopefully. The Roots are so cool. Everyone is so cool. Everyone warned me that people will screw you in the music industry, but everyone has been really cool so far.

Shine: Do you prefer old Soul music to contemporary R&B?

Joss: I think it's very, very different. I like them both. You can't beat old-school Soul. Contemporary R&B has a whole 'nother vibe. It's cool in a different way.

Shine: When I first heard you sing, I thought immediately of Janis Joplin. Is there anyone with whom you think you share a similar sound?

Joss: Really? You did? When I listen to my voice, I don't know, I can't really hear it. I try not to listen to myself too much because I'm very critical of myself. People are always comparing my voice to different people and I'm just like, ok.

Shine: What do you think about how far you've come since the show "Star for A Night?"

Joss: It's kind of scary. I just did it for a laugh. I never thought this would happen. I was really scared of performing in front of everyone. I used to get a big rash all over my arms and chest because I was so nervous. But if you want something you have to do it. If stuff happens it happens. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Shine: You just finished touring in the U.S. Any plans to live here permanently?

Joss: I don't know. It's nice to go home. Maybe in a couple of years. I'll be spending a lot of time in New York, so I'll probably move there eventually. But that won't be for a couple of years. I'm only 16, my mom won't let me! (Laughing)

Shine: Will your next album have the same style and sound as Soul Sessions?

Joss: It will be more contemporary, with stuff that I've written. It'll have some hip-hop elements, some reggae.

Shine: What do you hope is in store for your future?

Joss: I don't know. People ask me where I see myself in five years. I have no idea. I'm just kind of going with the flow. Maybe something will come. I've been thinking about it... I'll let you know. There's no plan here. I'm just sort of making it up as I go along.

Recent Appearances:

Late Night With Conan O'Brien Sept. 16th

Good Morning America Oct. 6th

Ellen DeGeneres Oct. 21st

David Letterman Oct. 28th

Late Night with Craig Kilborne Oct. 30th

WANT MORE? Check out www.jossstone.com