June 2004 Artist of the Month
JoJo is the hottest new teen singing sensation of the season. JoJo has an amazing, incredible voice that is mature far beyond her young age. Jo Jo's first single "Leave (Get Out)" is doing great in radio and killing Billboard's sales chart. An even greater feat, "Leave (Get Out)" has been steadily rising on MTV's popular video countdown show TRL. The last week of May "Leave" peaked at #6 on TRL..

JoJo recently wrapped up a national radio tour and she also appeared on the long running music series Soul Train. JoJo is preparing to go on tour with Usher for the European leg of his tour. She is slated to be his opening act. JoJo is doing big things and 2004 is really her year.

I had a chance to speak with JoJo in mid-May. Her self titled debut album is awesome. Every song on the album has the potential to be a hit. Stand out songs include, "Homeboy," "Not That Kinda Girl," "Use My Shoulder," the album is truly outrageous and will no disappoint. The maturity of JoJo's voice makes this an album that greatly stretches beyond the realm of the teen audience. JoJo's self titled album hits stores on June 22nd.
JO JO Interview with Thabiz.com


How are you feeling?

JoJo- I'm so excited. All of the hard work is finally paying off. The single is doing well and the album comes out June 22nd.

Was "Leave (Get Out)"always intended to be the first single?
JoJo-
There was a big debate. There are so many possible singles on the album. Some of the possibilities included "Baby its you," "Homeboy," "Leave," and "Leave" ended up as the first single.

When did you shoot the video?
JoJo-We shot the video about two months ago in California. It was a great experience.

So you are from Boston area?
JoJo-Yes. Actually we did move from Boston to California for 7 months then we moved to New Jersey to be closer to Blackground and Universal.

How is your mall tour going?
JoJo-It's been great, I did my first mall show in Atlanta and I have more shows coming up.

What are your summer tour plans?
JoJo-I'm going on tour with Usher in Europe this summer. When I found out I screamed I was in a meeting and I just went crazy! Ohmigosh, I was so excited.

Being a young performer how much input do you have into you styling with your hair and clothes?
JoJo-I have a lot to do with my style. I can be myself I work with my stylist in the clothes. I also have a lot of input in the music direction. I get a lot of say in what I do and how I dress.

What are your favorite songs on the album?
JoJo-"Baby its you" "Happy song," "Keep on Keeping On," and "Fairy Tales."

What about Breezy?
JoJo-I love Breezy!

I like it too.
JoJo-I thought I was the only one that liked "Breezy."

Have you done any TV or talk show appearances yet.
JoJo-
Not yet, when I was 7 I did a lot of TV. I did the Rosie O' Donnell Show and I did Kids Do The Darndest Things. I have some things coming up. Since the time of the interview Jojo has appeared on Soul Train.

Have you ever considered getting into acting?
JoJo-When I do something I want to do it to the best, so my role right at this time is to conquer the music world.

You have an amazing voice
JoJo-I have never taken vocal lessons. Music has always been a part of my life and my voice comes naturally.

Do you any pets? 
JoJo-Wish I did. I live in an apartment.

Are their artist you want to work with
JoJo-Kanye West. I love his album I listen to it all the time. This is kinda strange but I think R. Kelly is a genius and I would love to work with him but trust me, it will never happen. It will never happen.

How did you go about getting your record deal?
JoJo-
I've been singing since I was 2. Boston is not the music capital of the world. We moved to California and stayed with a cousin. I did the show America's Most Talented Kid. I received a lot of attention but we decided to go with Blackground.

Do you keep up with old friends?
JoJo-When I perform in Boston all my family and friends are coming. I went to public school in New Jersey, but now I am homeschooled. I talk to them everyday.

How are you dealing with celebrity?
JoJo-It's like the freakiest thing I have ever experienced. It's like I'll be in the movies and they look at ne like they know me and then they come up to me. After I did a show the other day I signed a lot of autographs. It's like I'm doing something right.

What was it like to hear your song on the radio
JoJo-It was like straight out of the movies. It was so weird. I was with my friends and we had just gotten finished eating and we were in the car like flipping out. It was like so awesome, so surreal.

Is hard to get used to the work
JoJo-
It's definitely real. I never thought it would be this hard. I used to watch shows like Behind The Music and thing I can handle it. I'm handling it, it's definitely a job.

So your were would you like to see your career in the next 5 years?
JoJo- Winning several Grammys, hopefully have my third album released.

Is there a message behind the song "Leave (Get Out)"?
JoJo-Fans can lay it out there. Boys will be boys at any age.

Any last remarks?
JoJo-Thank you so much your support. I see all of you at the shows and it means so much.


Multimedia
Audio Leave (Get Out) ASX format
Audio Leave (Get Out) RAM format
 
Watch Jo Jo get ready for her album release in this electronic press kit!
Jo Jo EPK ASX format
Jo Jo EPK RAM format

 

©2004 Dorrie Williams-Wheeler for thabiz.com. May not be reprinted.