When listeners heard Tha Corna Boyz produced "Selfish", it had them wondering and asking "Who is Asia Cruise?". However the video for the infectious single answered the question that's been on everyone's mind, and revealed the beautiful songstress behind the soulful voice.
I caught up with Jive Records' latest signee to talk about her upcoming debut album, working with super producer T.Pain, and dream duets with label mates Justin Timberlake & Chris Brown. Enjoy reading and don't forget to post your thoughts :)
Hamada: - The first question which is one everyone's mind is: Who is Asia Cruise?
Asia: - Hmmm, that's the million dollar question! I'd rather let my music explain who I am. I can be fun, serious, and flirty … I guess it's hard to put into words just who I am. Hopefully, my fans can get "Who Is Asia Cruise" through my music.
Hamada: - How is the process of recording your debut album coming along?
Asia: - It's going great! In a way it's a never ending process. It's a lot of late nights and hard work. So far I have about 7 songs from T-Pain. Which are amazing! And a couple from The Corna Boyz. Long story short, it's going to be an amazing record.
Hamada: - What can we expect from you musically?
Asia: - You can expect great music and a totally different sound: think Beyonce meets Gwen Stefani! I think as a new artist, I bring something new and refreshing, not your same old cookie cutter sound. I feel like we need that nowadays. You know, the album has a lot of variety. You have your boyfriend songs, you have your dance songs, and you have you "I can't stand my man" kinda songs. It's just really fun and different.
Hamada: - Which musician you'd love to hook up with in the near future?
Asia: - I'd love to work with Timbaland. I love everything about his music. It's so unique and something out of the box. It would just be so awesome to work with him one day! I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one, haha.
Hamada: - What made you choose "Selfish" as the lead single from the album? And how did that song come about?
Asia: - You know it's funny; The Corna Boyz came to me with this song. And at the time, I was going through a tough time with this new boy I met. He was just so selfish. Everything I did or said was wrong. And when I heard the song, I just fell in love with it! It was the only song of mine that I have probably listened to over a million times. And after hearing it so many times, I was like, alright this is a hit, this is the one! And the rest is history.
Hamada: - What are some of your other favorite songs from the album?
Asia: - Well, all of them are my favorites, haha! But, if I had to choose a couple, they'd have to be "C'mon" (which was produced by The Corna Boyz), and "Boyfriend".
Hamada: - If you could duet with any male artist, who would be your first choice? And why?
Asia: - Chris Brown or Justin Timberlake. I admire them both musically. They have a great sound, amazing showmanship, and are truly talented people. It would be so cool for them to do a song with me! And, it's funny, we're all on the same label, so now that you mention it, I'm defiantly going to be checking in on that! LOL :)
Hamada: - What are you more passionate about: singing or dancing?
Asia: - Singing! I've always been a singer since I was about 5, and I fell in love with it ever since. I just started to pick up the dancing a couple years ago, but I'll always be passionate about singing.
Hamada: - Do you think you're lucky or deserving?
Asia: - I feel like I'm deserving. I started singing professionally since I was 10. And I've worked hard up to this moment. Late night dance rehearsals, studio sessions, doing a million shows, and all the ups and downs that come with this business. I feel like you have to want it to make it in the music world. You also have to have the drive. I think I can safely say that I deserve every minute of it.
Hamada: - Which qualities you usually look for in a man? And are you dating anyone at the moment?
Asia: - The qualities I look for in a guy is definitely a funny personality! I love me a funny man. He also has to be goal oriented, hardworking, and of course good looking. I'm a sucker for pretty eyes and a great smile.
Hamada: - What would you expect on a romantic evening?
Asia: - I would expect flowers, a compliment here and there, a candlelit dinner, and holding hands. Haha.
Hamada: - Describe yourself in 5 words?
Asia: - Funny, Outgoing, Hard-worker, Goofy, Perfectionist.
Hamada: - What are you obsessed with?
Asia: - I'm obsessed with shoes ... What else is there??
Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about you?
Asia: - I'm really shy, especially in small intimate settings where I don't know anyone. My friends and family give me a hard time about it. They always ask me why I can't talk to someone in a group setting, but I can perform on stage in front of thousands of people … I just really need to know someone before I can open up my life to them.
Hamada: - What are the 3 things that you can't live without?
Asia: - I couldn't live without my chapstick, my phone, and my Mom.
Hamada: - When was the last time you cried?
Asia: - I can't remember the last time I had a good cry.
Hamada: - What's your greatest fear?
Asia: - My greatest fear would have to be the dark. I hate being alone in the dark. I sleep with the T.V. on and a nightlight. If I don't have those, I will never be able to go to sleep. I think it's from watching too many scary movies, haha.
Hamada: - If you could alter anything about yourself, what would it be?
Asia: - Not to sweat the small stuff, but I'm such a control freak. It's hard in this industry, because so many things are out of your control. I need to work on just finding my happy place when things are going crazy around me.
Hamada: - What's your idea of happiness?
Asia: - My idea of happiness is being with the people I love most, and see myself accomplish everything I set my mind on to do.
Hamada: - Is there any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?
Asia: - Never give up. Never let people tell you, you can't do something. If you set your mind to do something, then do it. The only person who can stop you is you. So, just stay focused and reach for the impossible :)
[Visit] Asia Cruise @ MySpace
