Livvi Franc, born Olivia Charlotte Waithe, is one of the most promising acts to launch their career this year. The immensely talented singer/songwriter signed a record deal with Jive Records, which makes her label mates with superstars such as Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake and Ciara Harris.

In this exclusive interview with "Monica Mania", the Bajan beauty talks about the process of recording her debut album, passion for cooking, inevitable Rihanna / Shontelle comparisons, dream duets with Kanye West / Estelle Swaray, and so much more …

Hamada: - Tell us more about yourself?

Livvi: - I have always dreamt of being a professional singer from as long as I can remember. I love the idea of sharing music with the world. Music is one of the universal languages.

A great day for me includes liming with friends, sharing a good meal and having a laugh. I love to laugh!! I am always interested in having a conversation with someone … You never know what you are going to learn or how you just might make a difference in someone else's life.  

I like to read. Getting into a really good book that can make 10 hours of flying seem like 2 (smiles).

I LOVE movies just as much as I love the popcorn which is a MUST when I go to the movies … They should make that a rule! (Sweet popcorn in UK movie theatres is the best!!!)

I love food! All different types, but my favorites are Italian, Caribbean and Indian. I'm a great cook/ baker. I'm famous for my yummy pasta dishes, baked chicken and coconut bread (a Bajan specialty).

I love, love being silly! Pranks, being quirky-that's all so LIVVI!

Lastly, I try not to get too stressed, as I believe everything happens for a reason.

Hamada: - You're currently in the process of recording your debut album. Does it have a title yet?

Livvi: - We have a couple titles in the running but haven't committed to one yet. They're all cool though, so it'll be a hard pick!

Hamada: - What can we expect from it?

Livvi: - All aspects of my personality compiled into one colorful, fun and relatable album. It's the true essence of me.

Hamada: - Have you decided which song is going to be the lead single? If so, give us all the juicy details (smiles).

Livvi: - The first set up single is called "Free". It's a song I wrote very early in my career, when I was just so excited about what was to come. It's all about being free! It's about doing anything you want, saying whatever you feel like saying and being everything you ever dreamed of being with nothing in the way to stop you.

Hamada: - List some of your favorite songs recorded so far, and what's the story behind each one of them?

Livvi: - Hmmmmm … I would not know where to begin … I have recorded over 50 songs!!! My favorite songs are the ones I had the most fun writing and recording, and that is still such a massive list!!! I have no clue of the final 12 that made my album, so I would hate to list favorites that the public will never hear.  Can I answer this question in a couple of months when we have selected the final songs???  I promise I will!

Hamada: - Whom did you collaborate with in terms of songwriters and producers?

Livvi: - Throughout the process of recording and songwriting for my album and beyond, I've worked with a bunch of amazing producers and songwriters! Including: Salaam Remi, Greg Kurstin, Angela Hunte, Eg White, Amanda Ghost, Ian Dench, Tawanna "Frankie Storm" Dabney, Toby Gad, James Fauntleroy, Cathy Dennis, Jonathan "J.R." Rotem, Brian Kennedy, Warren "Oak" Felder, SRP, Stargate, Nadir "RedOne" Khayat, Future Cut, The Rural, Steve Booker, CSP, Grind Music, Trackmasters, Reginald "Scyience" Perry, The Underdogs, De Red Boyz, Stereotypes, The Runaways, The Writing Camp, Supa Dups, Tiffany Fred, Laura Evans, Inkwell, Heidrun Bjornsdottir, Nina Woodford, Bruno Mars, and Paul Lawrence .... I hope I didn't miss anyone, but it is quite possible I have. I have met such an amazing bunch of people who have all contributed to my growth as an artist and as a professional!

Hamada: - Which musicians you'd love to hook up with in the near future?

Livvi: - I had great experiences with each and every one of them so I'm open to future collaboration with everyone!

Hamada: - What was your reaction when you first got signed to Jive Records?

Livvi: - "I'm over the moon and I'm jumping from star to star!" (a line from one of my songs) … I could not stop smiling!!! It has been like a beautiful dream that continues when I am awake. Aaaaaah!

Hamada: - How does it feel to be label mates with Chris Brown, Britney Spears and Ciara Harris?

Livvi: - It's amazing! I haven't met any of them yet, though, but I hope I will soon. They're really talented artists who have had great careers to date! I'd love to pick their brains sometime!

Hamada: - How would you handle inevitable comparisons between you and other Barbadian artists like Rihanna and Shontelle?

Livvi: - Hey, it's a compliment!!! They are doing awesome things!! I have met Rihanna, and her work ethic continues to astound me! I also know Shontelle, and like Rihanna, she is so committed to excellence! They are also both very nice! I would not mind the comparisons at all - especially if we are compared that way! But I know the fact that we are Barbadian women with record deals who sing pop music, all around the same age and height, will be how we are initially compared, but eventually, as people dig a little deeper, they will realize we each have our own sound and style.  

Hamada: - If you could record a duet with any living artist, who would be your first choice and why?

Livvi: - I would love to work with M.I.A or Estelle Swaray ... They have such a cool sound and style to their music, which I would love to tap into. For male artists … Hmmmm … Justin Timberlake or Kanye West … They are just giants! So super talented!! Wow!!!

Hamada: - Your birth name is Olivia Charlotte Waithe. Why did you choose to go with Livvi Franc as an artist name instead?

Livvi: - "Livvi" is what my friends call me, which is short for Olivia. I thought of Franc because it's my late grandfather's first name (his was with a 'k', but I thought 'c' looked a little cooler … He wouldn't mind)  and he was the first person to notice I had music in me and told everyone one when I was 2 that I would be a musician. I'm sure he's looking down on me now smiling!

Hamada: - Describe yourself in 5 words.

Livvi: - Silly, Fun, Easy-Going (let's just say that's one word haha!!), honest, caring and moody (I'm a Gemini; can't help it!!)

Hamada: - What do you look for in a potential boyfriend?

Livvi: - Too busy for a boyfriend now … I'm enjoying single life!! But when the time comes, I'll be looking for someone who is passionate about their calling; someone who loves and appreciates music; someone who knows how to have a good laugh at himself and at life in general.  

Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about you?

Livvi: - I can cook a whole Christmas Lunch spread for 15 people and feel completely de-stressed at the end of it! Cooking soothes me. It's my therapy!

Hamada: - Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

Livvi: - I see myself happy, doing what I love to do and sharing my music with the world.  I'll have my own bikini/underwear line with my own fabric designs (I did that in school). I'll be in movies too as I've always wanted to act.

Hamada: - Any message you'd like to convey to all your fans throughout the world?

Livvi: - To all my fans throughout the world, I'm so grateful for your support and I love you all!! Let's have fun in 2009 and beyond!!!

[Visit] Livvi Franc @ MySpace

Singer/songwriter Wynter Gordon posted a wonderful rendition of Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe”, so make sure you check it out! The track was originally produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, whose latest offerings include Beyonce Knowles’ “Broken Hearted Girl”, Ashanti Douglas’ “Mother” and Katharine McPhee’s “Everywhere I Go”.

Gordon’s still-untitled debut album will feature productions from Christopher “Tricky” Stewart (Laura Izibor, Karina Pasian), Reginald “Scyience” Perry (Mary J. Blige, Jamelia Davis), Toby Gad (Beyonce Knowles, Livvi Franc), Warren “Oak” Felder (Marsha Ambrosius, Raven Symone) and Fernando Garibay (Paris Hilton, Britney Spears), as well as songwriting contributions by Delisha Thomas (Christina Milian, Megan Rochell), Terius “The Dream” Nash (Cassie Ventura, Rihanna Fenty), Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Jennifer Hudson, Solange Knowles), Diane Warren (Alesha Dixon, Jessica Simpson) and Tawanna “Frankie Storm” Dabney (Lindsay Lohan, Cassie Ventura).

[Watch] Wynter Gordon - When You Believe

Teen sensation Corbin Bleu has dubbed his sophomore album “Speed of Light”, and will release it on March 10^th via Hollywood Records. The set is preceded by lead single “Celebrate You”, which was helmed by Robbie Nevil (Jesse McCartney, Raven Symone) and Matthew Gerrard (Joanna “Jojo” Levesque, Delta Goodrem). Nevil and Gerrard previously collaborated with the artist on “We Come to Party”, “Never Met a Girl like You” and “Push to the Limit”, taken from his debut offering “Another Side”.

“Speed of Light” will also boast alliances from producer Eric Hudson (“Dig This” - Brandy Norwood, “I’m You” – Leona Lewis) and songwriter Claude Kelly (“Circus” – Britney Spears, “Melt” - Toni Braxton).

Justin Timberlake’s protégé Esmee Denters has collaborated with one of my favorite production duos, Billy Steinberg & Josh Alexander, on her upcoming debut album. The track that they’ve crafted together is entitled “Reprogram My Heart”, so keep an eye on that one! However, there’s no confirmation on whether it will make the final cut or not.

Steinberg and Alexander previously helmed hits for artists such as Joanna “Jojo” Levesque (“Too Little, Too Late”), Katharine McPhee (“Over It”), Leona Lewis (“The Best You Never Had”), Paris Hilton (“Heartbeat”), The Veronicas (“Leave Me Alone”), Taylor Dayne ("I'm Over My Head") and Fefe Dobson (“Don’t Let It Go to Your Head”).

The still-untitled Tennman/Interscope project will boast additional productions from Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel Storleer Eriksen (Jordin Sparks, Mario Barrett), Billy Mann (Jessica Simpson, Kelly Rowland), Greg Kurstin (Emma Bunton, Rachel Stevens), Toby Gad (Christina Milian, Jade Ewen), Alonzo “Novel” Stevenson (Joss Stone, Alicia Keys), Soulshock & Karlin: Carsten Schack and Kenneth Karlin (Pixie Lott, Samantha Jade), Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams, Jewel Kilcher) and Ryan “Alias” Tedder (Deborah “SoShy” Epstein, Nicole Scherzinger), as well as songwriting contributions from Cathy Dennis (Janet Jackson, Melanie Chisolm), Nina Woodford (Dannii Minogue, Amy Pearson), Claude Kelly (Brandy Norwood, Whitney Houston), Savan Kotecha (Delta Goodrem, Geri Halliwell), Kara DioGuardi (Natalie Imbruglia, Mya Harrison), Evan “Kidd” Bogart of The Writing Camp (Jesse McCartney, Paula DeAnda) and Victoria Horn (Enrique Iglesias, Kate Ryan).

Colbie Caillat will release "Battle" as the next single from her recently re-released debut album, "Coco". The track was written by Caillat, and features background vocals from frequent collaborator Mikal Blue.

Dear Monica Mania readers,

Head over to my other blog, Musicians' Galore, and check out which performer I've chosen as "Artist of the Week".

Hint: They're a British foursome whose debut single, "On My Knees", featured Ghostface Killah.

[Visit] Musicians' Galore

Excellent:

Rock With You: (Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, Jermaine Dupri, Eric Stamile).

Very Good:

2Nite: (Taj Philip Jackson, Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel Storleer Eriksen).

Let Me Know: (Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, Chuck Harmony).

LUV: (Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Dernst "D'Mile" Emile, Tasleema Yasin, LaShawn Daniels).

Good:

Can't Be Good: (Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, David Gough).

Discipline: (Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, Robert Shea Taylor).

Feedback: (Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Dernst "D'Mile" Emile, Tasleema Yasin, LaShawn Daniels).

Greatest X: (Terius "The Dream" Nash, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart).

Never Letchu Go: (Johnta Austin, Manuel Seal, Jermaine Dupri).

Rollercoaster: (Rock City: Theron Thomas & Timothy Thomas, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins).

Average:

Curtains: (Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Eric Dawson, LaShawn Daniels, Antonio Dixton).

So Much Better: (Cristyle "The Ink" Johnson, Manuel Seal, Jermaine Dupri).

The 1: (Cristyle "The Ink" Johnson, Manuel Seal, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot, Jermaine Dupri).

What's Your Name: (Cristyle "The Ink" Johnson, Manuel Seal, Jermaine Dupri).

Rating: (3/5) – Good!

Australian singer/songwriter Natalie Imbruglia checked in with fans via her official website on Wednesday (December 24^th) with the following message: - “Hi Guys … Just wanted to give you an update on how we are coming along with the new album. We have reached the really exciting stage of choosing singles, putting a great team together to create the artwork, photos and videos and are thinking of exciting ways to get the music out there. As you all know this record has been a long time coming but I feel it has been worth the wait and the extra time I spent on it. I am very proud of it. The album is going to include tracks I have written with Ben Hillier, Dave McCracken, Daniel Johns, Gary Clark, Jamie Hartman, Paul Harris and Shep Solomon amongst others. If all goes to plan you will be able to hear the first single from the album in February. Please register for all the latest information and keep checking back to the site for updates. You never know there may even be a surprise or two on the audio and video player!”

[Visit] Natalie Imbruglia's Official Website

Universal/Motown recording group Jada’s new single, “American Cowboy”, will hit U.S. radio outlets February 10^th. The Allaune “Akon” Thiam and Nadir “RedOne” Khayat-produced track will introduce their as-yet-untitled debut album.

Although  a track list has yet to be announced, Jada has worked with musicians such as Jim Jonsin (Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams), Rico Love (Keri Hilson, Usher Raymond),The Insomniax: Emile Ghantous & Erik Nelson (Canela Cox, Bobby Valentino), Jim Beanz (Ashlee Simpson, Craig David), Ryan “Alias” Tedder (Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield), Wayne Wilkins (Mutya Buena, Maria Lawson), Nate “Danja” Hills (Paula DeAnda, Jennifer Lopez), The Clutch: Balewa Muhammad, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis & Patrick “J.Que” Smith (Nikki Flores, Fantasia Barrino), Evan Rogers & Carl Sturken (Emma Bunton, Kelly Clarkson), Toby Gad (Christina Milian, Livvi Franc) and Wyclef Jean (Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill) on new material.

In addition to executively producing the forthcoming albums by Monica Arnold [J Records] and Jennifer Lopez [Sony Music], hitmaker Bryan Michael Cox is also in charge of Amerie Rogers’ 4^th album, which will be released in 2009 via Def Jam Records. The pair first collaborated on the track “Somebody Up There”, taken from the artist’s 3^rd album, “Because I Love It”.

On the other hand, don’t hold your breath because Bryan Michael Cox initially served as an executive producer of Brandy Norwood’s “Human”, but when the Knockout Entertainment / Epic Records’ project hit the shelves, none of his contributions made it to the final cut!