- Tue, 2008-08-26 11:24
After achieving much success with their first single Don't Cha, the American quintet went on to achieve worldwide fame for their sassy, no-nonsense, dance routines and singles. With a string of awards under their belts the Pussycat Dolls have returned with their second album Doll Domination. With tracks produced by the likes of Dr.Dre, Taio Cruz, Timbaland and Eminem, they are sure to fire back into the limelight of the mainstream once more. When I Grow Up is the first single to be taken from the album. I Like Music caught up with Jessica the Pussycat Doll to chat about fame, staying in shape and dressing up as a skunk.
"I Like Music because…it is universal and we get to talk to everyone in the universe through our music.” Jessica, The Pussycat Dolls
ILM: In your own words can you describe the vibe of your latest single When I Grow Up?
Jessica: It's a new sound for the Pussycat dolls. It was one of the strongest songs we had on the album. We're coming out with a bang! The song is about your desires and the ambitions you had when you were little, you know, 'When I grow up I wanna be famous, I wanna be a star, I wanna be in movies.' But the catch of it all is 'Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it.' Meaning that it may all look like glitz and glamour but there's a lot of work and a lot of things that you lose when you do become famous.
ILM: How have you dealt with fame?
Jessica: You know what, I've enjoyed every second of it. However, there are times where it is a little overwhelming or a little over-bearing because there is just so much that goes into it. First of all the promotion and travelling, which is amazing but sometimes very tiring. But as long as you look at it as knowing that you get to touch millions of people, it's all worth it in the end.
ILM: You're obviously living your dream career, what would be your advice to anyone else wanting to do the same?
Jessica: My advice would be just don't give up and that you can always be better. I always better myself as an artist, I'm always working on my craft. Also, just don't quit.
ILM: What do you look forward to most about playing live?
Jessica: The fans. Connecting with the fans. Especially in Europe and the UK, oh my God! The fans, they have loved us from the very beginning. It is just a different trip when we come to the UK! Plus I get to be on stage with my girls again!
ILM: What is your earliest musical memory?
Jessica: I remember when I was five years old and it was my dance recital and I was the skunk. Yup, I dressed up as a skunk and we had to sing [sings] 'Look at me, don't you think I'm cute, with my bushy tail and my...er...something suit!' Anyway, we did this song and routine and in it was this train thing, and I went the other way and stopped the train from moving. The whole audience was just laughing so hard! But, I do remember getting off stage and blushing and just thinking that was the best moment of my whole life.
ILM: So you've always danced and performed? Did you always know it was what you wanted to do?
Jessica: Absolutley. It was all I knew.
ILM: What's in your CD player at the moment?
Jessica: I really like electronic house. I'm listening to Ida Corr Vs. Fedde Le Grand, Let Me Think About It. I love Paul Oakenfold and Paul Van Dyke. My iPod is on shuffle. Sometimes I think I drive the other girls crazy with my music!
ILM: What would your ideal night out be?
Jessica: I like places in London. Um...I'd like to go to Nobu and have a really beautiful dinner with my friends and then later maybe go to Sketch. Um...and then hopefully come home early! If I was in Los Angeles, the truth is I don't really go out that much. But, I love to go out for dinner. Go out to dinner early, get home by ten, be in bed by ten thirty. That's my dream night!
ILM: What are your future plans? Is there anything left that you really aspire to do?
Jessica: Absolutley. I plan to enjoy every second of the Pussycat Dolls and take every moment in and not take it for granted. After the Pussycat Dolls my aspirations are to become a movie star. I would love to do that. I would love to put out a dance album and I'd love to have babies and get married!
ILM: Lot's to do!
Jessica: It is! Life is long.
ILM: When you look back on your career what are your favourite highlights?
Jessica: You know it's crazy because I was watching this movie The Bucket List last night on the plane and it was such a beautiful story, I just started crying! I have lived so much life and I'm only 26. Everything stands out to me. I look in my heart now and realise how worldly I've become. I've become a woman. To be able to share that with people, to share that with your fans, that's the biggest highlight for me.
ILM: How do you work with the rest of the Pussycat Dolls? What would be a normal day for you?
Jessica: We're not always at the studio at the same time. But if we are then it's a really fun working environment. The girls are my best friends. I just adore each of them. We have such a great working relationship. Just recently I went in to the studio because we are actually going to have another part to the CD so all of us will be doing solo songs. I went into the studio the other night to do a song. I got to hear Ashley's and Melody's songs and they are really good! I'm really excited about that!
ILM: Do you have a lot of in-jokes with each other?
Jessica: You know what? These girls are so funny! We're so close that we do just have all these inside jokes! We laugh from the heart, do you know what I mean? I think of all of them and it just makes me smile!
ILM: You work extremely hard and you always manage to look incredible! How do you maintain such a great image?
Jessica: It all comes down to discipline. When we got here I put my bag down, put my gym clothes on and worked out on the treadmill for at least 45 minutes. Then I ate a nice lunch. Put some make-up on and you know as tired as I am, I still have to fulfill this image of a Pussycat Doll and I understand that that is my job.
ILM: Do you find that hard sometimes?
Jessica: I do in a way. Sometimes I get a little cranky. But then I look at the otherside of it, how it would be if I didn't have this. It is really and truly always taking everyday and not taking it for granted, trying to enjoy every minute because it could be gone tomorrow. That's my philosophy.
ILM: Where is your favourite place to be?
Jessica: With my mum. Anywhere with my mum.
