Tell us about how you got into singing? And do you think it was harder for you break the US market since you come from Australia?

I started singing when I was 9 because of a talent quest that I entered, from then on I loved it and it became a passion for me … I'm very fortunate to be signed to major company like Jive Records because I have been given the opportunity to show my music to people all over the world.
 
What's your debut album called? And when is it going to be released?

We haven't all agreed on a name for the album yet, but it will be released in the U.S. this summer.

Whom have you worked with in terms of songwriters/producers? And which ones you'd like to hook up with if given the opportunity?

I have worked with so many great people … Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Sean Garrett, Lil John, Jazze Pha, Max Martin, Wyclef Jean, and just recently, Timbaland. All of them have been fantastic in their own right, and I have learnt something from each one of them. It's been an incredible experience, and it's surreal to work with the people that produced some of your favorite songs that are being played on the radio. 

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

Yes, we have the single called "Eyes On Me", produced by Timbaland … It's a fun club song that I hope everybody can enjoy.

You've written songs for artists such as Jojo ("Secret Love") and Ashley Tisdale ("Positivity"). Have you met them in person? If so, how was it like working with them?

Yes, writing is a huge passion of mine and I've been lucky enough to get songs placed with great artists. I have met Jojo, and she was sweet. I haven't met Ashley, but I'm very happy for her success.

Were you nervous when you started working with producer/artist Wyclef Jean on your debut single "Step Up", especially since he's also responsible for some of the biggest hits by Destiny's Child, Shakira, and Mary J. Blige?

I think that I've always been a little nervous when it comes to working with people that I have always admired, but that doesn't change my work ethic. Wyclef was great and really easy to work with.

Your home country Australia is known musically for introducing us to talented artists like Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, and Natalie Imbruglia. Which one of those mentioned is your favorite? And why?

All of them are fantastic and talented, but I have always been a Kylie fan cuz she's such an inspiration to all of us Aussie girls and women period!

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

Hmm … I'm not very good at sports. I used to fake a sprained ankle in primary school to get out of sports day because I run like a snail, ha ha!

What are the qualities you look for in a man? And are you dating anyone at the moment?

That's a personal one, hehe ;)

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

I'd just like to say thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so lucky to do what I love for a living, and I appreciate all the support. I can't wait to meet the fans when I'm on tour :)

[Visit] Samantha Jade @ MySpace

After penning hits for artists such as Monica ("I Wrote This Song", "Hurts The Most"), Maria ("Miss You", "Lonely") and Teairra Mari ("New Shit"), as well as working with producers Soulshock & Karlin (Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige), Jermaine Dupri (Mariah Carey, Christina Milian), Kwame (Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera) and Teddy Bishop (LeToya Luckett, Sterling Simms), songwriter Shamora Crawford is ready to take the mic as she's releasing lead single "Betcha" from her debut album "How It Feels". I'm really feeling this heartfelt ballad, and I can't wait to hear more from her … Make sure you give it a listen, and tell me what you think of it as well :)

[Listen] Shamora - Betcha @ MySpace

German girlgroup Black Buddafly posted 2 new songs on their official MySpace profile; “Dirty Lil’ Trick” and “Late Night Sweet Love” . There’s still no word on when their album is coming out, but they’re still signed to Def Jam Records, and the debut set is expected to sport collaborations with producers Dallas Austin (Sugababes, Janet Jackson), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Chante Moore, Mariah Carey), The Corna Boyz (LeToya Luckett, Megan Rochell) and Troy Taylor (Karina Pasian, Trey Songz).

[Visit] Black Buddafly @ MySpace

[Read] My Interview with Jazz from Black Buddafly

Pop Queen Madonna is planning to release her forthcoming album in November via Maverick Records, but fans don't have to wait long cuz a new charity single by the name of "Hey You" has already been released. Among the collaborators on the still-untitled project are The Neptunes (Robin Thicke, Jennifer Lopez), Sean Garrett (Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani), Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean (Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige), Tim "Timbaland" Mosley (Kelis, Nicole Scherzinger), Justin Timberlake (Keri Hilson, Macy Gray) and Nate "Danja" Hills (Nelly Furtado, Katharine McPhee).

[Listen] Madonna - Hey You (produced by Pharrell Williams & Madonna)

Def Jam recording artist Chrisette Michele switched the choice for lead single from "Like A Dream" to "Your Joy", which will also be filmed next week. The track is lifted from her forthcoming debut album "I Am" due June 19^th, and boasts A-list alliances from John Legend (Keyshia Cole, Whitney Houston), Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (Toni Braxton, Madonna) and Will "Will-I-Am" Adams (Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake). What do you think of this decision?

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Seems like pop artist Ashlee Simpson wasn't kidding around when she said she'll be heading the soulful route for her upcoming 3^rd album cuz she has snagged superstar producer Tim "Timbaland" Mosley (Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson) for the new set! I wonder what sound he'll give her, but hopefully it will be something different than the usual with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake. Other hitmakers expected on the as-yet untitled album include John Legend (Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston), Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera) and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes (Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey).

It has been confirmed that producers Bloodshy & Avant have been roped for Britney's forthcoming album, which is due later this year via Jive Records. The Swedish production team previously collaborated with Spears on tracks like "Showdown" (my absolute favorite), "Toxic", "Do Somethin'" and "Chaotic". One of the new joints they did together is called "Freakshow", and it was co-written by Ezekiel Lewis, whose 1/5 of songwriting team The Clutch (Mary J. Blige's "Take Me As I Am", Ciara's "Like A Boy"). Other clients B&A are currently collaborating with as well include Kylie Minogue and Sugababes, so 2007 is shaping up to be a pretty exciting year for them, and I couldn't be happier! For those who are not familiar with their work, here's one of my favorite tracks … It's called "Shavaar" by British songstress Ms. Dynamite, and it's taken from her sophomore album "Judgement Days" , which was released in 2005 via Universal Records.

[Listen] Ms. Dynamite - Shavaar (produced by Bloodshy & Avant)

Former TLC member Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas leaked a new joint from her forthcoming debut album called "Glidin'" and rumor has it that it's going to be the lead single. No official track-list has been set yet, but other tracks expected on the new set include "Straight Jack 'Em" and "No Rings On These Fingers". Expect hot productions courtesy of Missy Elliot (Tamia, Whitney Houston), Jamal "Polow Da Don" Jones (Christina Aguilera, Nicole Scherzinger), Akon (Gwen Stefani, Mario Barrett), Tim "Timbaland" Mosley (Nelly Furtado, Ginuwine), Kandi Burruss (Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey) and Will "Will-I-Am" Adams (Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake).

[Listen] Chilli - Glidin' @ Chillifan.com

Pop/R&B artist Kiley Dean is currently putting the final touches on her official debut album, and it will be released later this year via Mathew Knowles' record label World Music. Some of the joints that will make it to the new set include "Dangerous", "Changes", "Like That" and the Bryan Michael Cox produced "Who I Am", which was also co-written by Tanya "Freckles" White (Janet Jackson's "Thinking About My Ex").

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Fans of R&B crooner Chris Brown will be happy to learn that his hugely anticipated sophomore album "Exclusive" is due 28^th August via Jive Records, and the lead single is the Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean produced "Wall To Wall". Other collaborators on the new set include The Neptunes (Alana Davis, Mary J. Blige), Bryan Michael Cox (Brandy, Claudette Ortiz), Johnta Austin (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey), Will "Will-I-Am" Adams (Nicole Scherzinger, Fergie) and Phalon "Jazze Pha" Alexander (Toni Braxton, Aaliyah).