If you've been missing the independent women of Destiny's Child, look no further! Michelle Williams, one third of the chart-topping girl-group, is breaking out with her third solo album Unexpected. She chatted exclusively with J-14 about heartbreak, Broadway and working with Flo Rida.
J-14: Where did the title Unexpected come from?
Michelle: My manager asked me one day, "If you could sum up the album in one word, what would it be?" I said Unexpected. The turn out of the album was a shock, and I was like, "This is unexpected." Nobody knows what to expect. Nobody expected me to do gospel, nobody expected me to do Broadway. So everything that I find myself doing is unexpected. My life these past eight years has been an unexpected journey.
J-14: What was your favorite song to record?
Michelle: "Hello Heartbreak." I heard the track, and then I heard what the writer, Rico Love, was doing. Every time I would go into the studio, I would be ready to jump in the booth. I love vocals and putting one harmony on top of the next. Put a lot together and you just get one beautiful song!
J-14: Was there anything from your personal life that made you connect with that song?
Michelle: Absolutely. Have you ever been in a relationship and thought, "Oh my goodness. It's too good to be true?" And then you walk around the corner and say hello to heartbreak, and you're like, "Oh! Hey there sadness, I knew I would meet you. I was sure you were on the way." That's exactly what the song is saying. I thought that it was a cleverly written song.
J-14: Is there one song from the album that you really enjoy performing?
Michelle: I've been in rehearsals, and lately, I've especially enjoyed "Hello Heartbreak" and We" Break the Dawn." I also enjoy performing a song called "Lucky Girl." "Lucky Girl" speaks about this girl who's just head over heals in love. She's excited because she's got a man that understands her. Even when she's not saying a word, he knows what she's feeling.
J-14: Have you had that feeling before?
Michelle: Absolutely. It's one of the best feelings in the world. It just didn't work out.
J-14: What is the meaning behind your single "We Break the Dawn?"
Michelle: It's like we're having so much fun. I don't want the sun to come out--just give me a couple more hours. That's what it means. I feel like it's just telling me to have fun, live my life and do the things I need to do, basically before the sun comes up. Don't let the day go by without doing what you're supposed to do.
J-14: How did Flo Rida get involved with a remix for the song?
Michelle: Max, my A&R for this project, knows his manager very well and thought it would be a great match. I talked to Flo Rida on the phone while he was in the studio, and I said "You know what? Do your thing. I trust you. I know you're going to kill it."
J-14: What do you think of the outcome now that it's done?
Michelle: I like it a lot and I'm happy that the fans liked it. It's a bunch of bologna if artists don't care what the fans think. I do. They're the ones buying the record. I want them to like what it is that they're going to eventually purchase.
J-14: Do you have plans to do Broadway or TV again?
Michelle: Absolutely. Every two years, I want to do a Broadway show.
J-14: Which one would you love to do?
Michelle: I would love to do Beauty and the Beast. I know Dream Girls is coming on Broadway. That would be a fun one, but we'll see. I feel like that might be corny--Beyoncé did the movie, so I probably shouldn't even touch the Broadway one! We try to do everything we can to separate ourselves, individually. I want to make sure that I show that I can stand up on my own. I know I have love and support from my girls, but this album is standing [on its own]. I want people to know me. Instead of them saying, "Oh that's the girl from Destiny's Child," I want people to say, "Ok, that's Michelle."
J-14: Do you hope to get back with them to do another record?
Michelle: Absolutely! You don't have to worry, absolutely.
J-14: So there's plans for Destiny's Child to reunite?
Michelle: Oh, there are no plans. But, you know, if we sit down and say, "Hey listen, let's do it again," we'll do it.
Michelle's album comes out on October 7. Check out all the deets on her MySpace page!
