When did you decide to pursue your musical career professionally?

I decided to start singing professionally around the age of 14 ... I never really watched MTV or award shows or anything like that cause I had big responsibilities as a kid... starting at 8 years old I accepted music into my life in such a major way because it was my only outlet, my way of letting out the frustrations I had. So I never really thought about doing it professionally or performing for audiences till I was about 14.

Who were some of your influences while growing up?

My mom played A LOT of R&B when I was growing up so my influences were Jodeci, Brandy, Boys II Men, Tevin Campbell, Faith Evans, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston ... And so many more!

What is your debut album called? And when is it coming out?

The album is self titled so far ... We haven't really gotten that or a date set in stone yet cause we are still working on it.

Whom have you worked with in terms of songwriters/producers? And whom would you love to hook up with in the future?

I've worked with so many amazing and talented people... Brian Michael Cox, The Corna Boyz, Robin Thicke, J.R. aka Jonathan Rotem, Beau Dozier, Dave Young ... I have great relationships with every single one of them... I respect them all and we have great chemistry... it's important for the chemistry to be there when you're all trying to be creative... I'd love to work with Timbaland and The Clutch.

What are some of your favorite songs on the album? And what does each one of them mean to you?

I wrote a great portion of the album so every song is very personal ... They're experiences either I've gone through or a family member or a friend has gone through ... One of my favorite songs on the album is a song called "Last Chance" written by Mischke Butler and produced by Bryan Michael Cox.

Have you decided which song is going to be the lead single?

Not yet... We're still in the recording process.

Is it true that Jojo's "Anything" was originally offered to you? And how do you feel when another artist takes one of your songs?

It was written for my album so I demoed the song, but we just decided not to use it ... I love her version she definitely did her thing on there.

What do you have to say regarding rumors stating that you had a rift with mega producer Beau Dozier?

I was basically raised in this business and like everyone else. I grew up and went through some changes so I just decided to take the album another route. We're are still cool and always will be.

Did you find difficulty convincing label heads that R&B is your music route? And did they try to market you as something else?

No so much! They respect me as an artist and trust my ideas on the project. They have told me from day one that they just want me to be who I am. I'm very opinionated and outspoken and I would be a hypocrite if I weren't being honest with everyone about who I really am ... I am not ashamed of anything I've done or been through in my life so I have nothing to hide. I sing songs that people are able to relate to ... Everyone has their heart broken at one point or falls in love or loses a loved one or has had a tough life ... I've experienced it all ... And I know I'm not the only one that's gone through it … And my music is my therapy, I don't think of it as a genre ... I'll let everybody else decide the genre I'm just venting or giving advice or telling my story... I'm fortunate to be able to do that ... That being said, the label allows me to be me ... And any artist will tell you how hard it is to find a label that will let you be as hands on your own project as I am.

There are many female young artists launching their careers in 2007, what do you think sets you apart from the rest?

I know one thing is that I'm probably older than all of them lol, now a days we have 12 and 13 year olds coming out singing like Whitney Houston ... I think what makes me a lil different is my story.. I truly did beat the odds... I wasn't supposed to wind up like this.

If you could do a duet with a living artist, whom would you choose? And why?

Usher, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Brandy.... Anyone who has influenced me would change my life if they did a duet with me.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being part of the music industry? And do you agree with the statement "Industry People are Shady"?

The only perk about being in this industry is that I get to do what I love! The disadvantage is all the rejection up until you've reached a certain point. I can agree with that statement... It depends though, the people who keep god very much a part of their life are the more humble well rounded people... Some people do get "Hollywood".

Do you form friendships with people you work with? Or is it always strictly business?

If you share the same interests and get along, you naturally gravitate towards being friends and having a relationship with the people you work with ...

What does Tynisha look for in a man? And what turns you off?

A turn off for me is a guy whose way too pushy ... I like to take things slow... I'm old fashioned when it comes to love and relationships ... I've always believed in the fairy tale love cause I'm a hopeless romantic!

Are you dating anyone at the moment?

No one special at the moment ... I'm very single! What I look for in a man is character, intelligence, humor ... It's very important that he has a great relationship with his mom as well... However he treats his mom tells a lot about how he'll treat you.

Who do you think is the most eligible bachelor (celebrity wise)? And why?

For me? ooohhh there are so many... but Justin is single (Wink).

Tell me something that most fans and readers of Monica Mania will be surprised to learn about you?

People are always surprised to hear I was a loner growing up... I kept to myself a lot and had VERY few friends ... I barely talked ... The only time I opened my mouth, I was singing!

Last but not the least, is there any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?

Thank you for all of the support it really means a lot to me and I will do my best to return the love by making great music!

[Visit] Tynisha Keli @ MySpace