Sunshine Anderson popped into the music scene in the early 2000's. Once managed by Macy Gray, Sunshine's single "Heard It All Before," became an anthem for female music fans. Her debut album Your Woman sold over 750,000 copies. Sunshine seemed destined for the big time--I mean she was part of the early 2000's influx of new R&B talent that included Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Jill Scott, Lil Mo and others who went on to release sophomore albums in the not so distant future.

Sunshine stayed dedicated to her craft despite adversity and made sure that she would not become a member of the "whatever happened too.." club. Sunshine teamed up with Mathew Knowles for a joint venture and recently released her sophomore album Sunshine at Midnight. The album debuted at #4 on the Indie Chart. (View Press Release)

I had a chance to speak with Sunshine while she relaxed in her Atlanta home cooking breakfast. I apologize for the interview being so short, I was having a busy day.

How do you feel with the new single and the new album doing so great?
Sunshine Anderson-Oh I feel great. It's kinda surreal. I spent time believing that it's actually here so I'm just great.

How did you keep your spirits up during such a long break in between albums?
Sunshine Anderson-There were definitely times when my spirits weren't up. It's really hard watching your peers pass you by, second album, third album and it doesn't happen for you. There were definitely those days and periods when it always wasn't so sunny.

How did you go about getting a new deal and everything?
Sunshine Anderson-I was actually being co-managed at the time by Gerald Busby he had a great relationship with Mathew Knowles. Mathew called him up one day and said lets do a joint venture. Gerald said whatever you give to me give to Sunshine. So this is a partnership with Mathew Knowles, I'm signed to my own label Shining Star/Music World/Universal.

Where city are you based out of?
Sunshine Anderson-I'm still in Atlanta. I've been travelling a lot promoting the album so I haven't been here much but Atlanta is home.

Is that where you are from?
Sunshine Anderson- No, I'm originally from North Carolina.

Mathew Knowles seems very knowledgeable about the music industry. What's it like working with him?
Sunshine Anderson- Oh its great. Being at Music World is like being at home. I come from a very family structured environment myself. Music World is like..my own family.

I don't know if you are just naturally in great shape, but how did you get into such great shape to get back in the industry? Did you have a work out regime to get ready to get back in the industry?
Sunshine Anderson-Oh yeah girl. You always gotta get in gear. Music World also has what they call boot camp with training-vocal training, fitness training, everything. I was down there in Houston with several other Music World artists.

Despite being out of the spotlight a few years you managed to sustain fan support. Were you surprised?
Sunshine Anderson-Yes. My fans were really there for me. So many people were like "When are you coming back out?" I'm back, the album is out, I want people to go get it and enjoy it. I just wish I had kept in touch with the fans better when I was away.

Do you read the messages on your Myspace page?
Sunshine Anderson-Yes. And it really is me. People can't believe it's me, but it's me. There are so many messages, I can't get to them all but I read the comments.

"Heard It All Before" was like one of the first post 2000 female anthems. How does the crowd respond when you perform that song?
Sunshine Anderson-They love it and I enjoy performing it. It's the highlight of my set.

Related Links-http://www.myspace.com/sunshineanderson
http://www.sunshineandersonmusic.com/

Sunshine Anderson-interview copyright Dorrie Williams-Wheeler, and Thabiz.com 2007

Visit Dorrie on the web at www.sparkledoll.com or add her as a friend at MYSPACE.
Sunshine Anderson -interview may not be reprinted, copied or distribute without permission. You may link to this interview.Interview copyright Dorrie Williams-Wheeler, thabiz.com February 2007.