-Tanya Stephens-

Growing up, did you always want to become a singer, or did everything just
fall right into place?

Answer: I guess i’d have to say it all fell into placeDid you ever consider music as your calling as far as a career?

Answer: I never decided this is my calling, I love it and will do it for
as long as i’m still enjoying or until my supporters indicate they’ve had
enough!Who were some of your musical influences?

Answer: I listened to a lot of Calypso growing up. Lots of old soul and
rock and roll from the Dick Clark era. There was a lot of Reggae too,
naturally. I grew up in Jamaica.You have been in the music industry for many years, what is it that you do
differently from others in order to keep producing good music and just
keeping the name going?

Answer: I observe that a lot of my peers are into image and promotion
while i’m just dead set on production and improvement of product.

What were some of your inspiration in creating your last album?

Answer: All my inspiration always comes from life and everything it
encompasses. My experiences, the experiences of those around me, there’s a
lot to learn from!

I can definitely identify with some of the songs that you have sing about. Were they based on true stories?

Answer: Everything I do is true!

What are some of the things that you are doing or done for this album that
will make it different from your previous ones?

Answer: Approaching new topics, sparking new discussions. The thing that
makes my albums differ from each other is the fact that a lot of thought
is put into the creative process, making sure each song on each album is
relevant and necessary in one way or another. Songs are selected
specifically and deliberately to make sure the album is actually new.

So, what was the deal with you and Spragga. They were many rumors about the relationship that you both had, care to comment?

Answer: I couldn’t answer that because I never heard any rumors! Is that
something new? We have been for a long time and continue to be very good
friends. I dont have many of those in this superficial and hypocritical
industry so the few I think I have I will always stay close to regardless
of idle chatter.

When will you be starting your next tour?

Answer: Tour schedules are being planned right now.

When should the fans be expecting your next album?

Answer: Before the year is out

   Does it ever feel strange or do ever get nervous performing, after taking a break?

Answer: Since I started performing at the beginning of my career the only
time i’ve ever ‘not performed for a while’ is when I had my daughter in 94
and I wasn’t as known then so it didn’t feel any different. Since then,
i’m always performing somewhere!

Who are some of the artists/producers that you are working with on the new
album?

Answer: Tanya Stephens and Andrew Henton of Tarantula Records. This is a
complete in-house production. The last two albums Gangsta Blues and
Rebelution were in-house productions also, having just a couple of tracks
from outside producers.

What would you say your favorite song that you’ve done?

Answer: I think picking a favorite song would be like picking a favorite
child. I couldn’t do that! I love them all equally, each having different
strengths and different points to make.

What or how do you feel about the reggae music industry currently and how
has it changed now compared to when you first stared?

Answer: I dont know if the industry changed at all. I know I grew up and
my perceptions changed.

Do you think reggae music has more to offer after the ways in which the industry has changed?

Answer: Reggae music cant really offer anything, can it? It depends on
artistes to offer in its name, so as long as there are artistes performing
Reggae then there will always be something offered. The quality of the
offering will depend on its representatives’ efforts.

Any advice for upcoming artist?

Answer: No advice. I’m not an authority on the subject, and what works for
me doesn’t automatically work for everybody else. I dont want to lead
anyone in a direction which couldn’t work for them!

Besides your music, are there any other new projects that you are working on?

Answer: I’m always working on new projects. I dont discuss them until
they’re close to fruition because many of them dont see the light of day.

Is there a message that you would like to send to all your fans?

Answer: My message remains the same after two decades… Thanks! I can
never say that enough. Nobody owes me anything, and even if I make the
best music in the world nobody is obligated to like it, to buy or even
steal it, neither is anyone obligated to come to my concerts. The fact
that they’ve been doing so in such great number for such a long time is
something that touches me to my core and keeps me very aware of how
blessed I am!