Interview: Jennifer Paige

Jennifer Paige is best known to music fans around the world as the songstress behind the epic Crush. However she has to her name a striking and diverse body of work, which is topped by her stunning new studio album Starflower, which has taken critics around the world by surprise as she explores a credible electro pop sound. With one of 2017's finest albums under her belt, we caught up with the Nashville based songstress to find out how she is.

Hi Jennifer, Starflower marks your return after a successful Pledge campaign. Were you surprised by the positive response to the campaign?

I was hopeful! I believed it was possible to have success but you just never know... pressing the "Submit" button to the Kickstarter campaign was one of my most vulnerable moments. You imagine every outcome in your head and then you must press onwards! I'm so happy it worked and I am forever grateful to my longtime fans for pre-ordering the merchandise, so I could go make this album. I think it's my best, yet, and a big reason for that is that I simply got to make music for the love of it.

Many readers will still best remember you for Crush. How do you feel about the song nearly two decades later?

I still like it. ;) It was a great icebreaker for me into the Music Industry and I've learned a ton along the way. I'm grateful for the experience to perform for people all around the world.

You have included an acoustic reworking on the album - what prompted the decision?

It was an experiment that turned out way better than I thought it would. I had no intention of adding it to the album but I thought it would be a nice little bonus for those who have been with me all these years, and an introduction to the song for some youngsters listening in.

Given that fans funded the record, were you worried that they may not appreciate you new direction?

I wouldn't say I was worried. At the end of the day, my voice and my style of songwriting ties it all together. I don't think it's such a departure from my previous work that fans would not recognize me in there. I think a sadder state would be to be stuck in the sound of the 90's and not be open to changing with the times. My fans are the coolest people - we have a great community and they've been nothing but supportive, so far.

Since Crush you have dabbled with a variety of styles. Are there any key moments or songs you advise those who haven't followed your career should check out..

Some of my favourites that are lesser known are Feel So Far Away, Broken Things and These Days.

Starflower marks a major shift in sound for you. What/who were your key influences?

I've been listening to Tove Lo, Sia, Erik Hassle, Lissie, Ellie Goulding, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran...I'm not sure who influences and who just makes my day a little better with their music.

The album is predominantly a solo effort, but you have continued your collaboration with Coury Palermo on one song. Can we expect more from Paige + Palermo in the future?

I hope so! I'm a fan of Coury and our voices together sound like family. No plans at the moment but you never know.

You have worked through the years with a variety of artists, which has been the highlight for you?

It's hard to say... they've all been so different. I would say that one I was most excited about was Nick Carter for my Best Kept Secret album. Our song 'Beautiful Lie' was a lot of fun to record. I was curious what he was going to be like as a person and I was pleasantly surprised by his humility and talent.

Who do you dream of working with?

Bruno Mars, Erik Hassle, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell.

Starflower has been met with critical acclaim. Did you anticipate such an outpouring of love for the release?

I knew this would be an important album for me. I was hopeful but, it's been so long, I wasn't sure what the response would be. I'm thankful for every bit of exposure that it receives because I want the world to hear it and to be able to decide for themselves. So I have a new found respect for blogs, taste makers, press...it can really make or break you.

If you could achieve one thing with Starflower, what would it be?

My goal is to be back on top. That looks a little differently in 2017 than it did at the beginning of my career. For me, it's about tapping into my talents in music and beyond. I dream of a TV show that focuses on the music industry itself - that's been a long time dream of mine. It's a fascinating world and I don't think I've seen it captured properly even to this day.

It has been a very long time since you visited us in the UK, can we expect some live shows any time soon?

Yes! Please stay tuned. I'll be there in July! Yay!

Lastly, tell us one thing about you that you have still not revealed to the press...

I've been pretty much an open book these days. But one little titbit no one has asked me about... the guy in the 'Devil's in the Details' video is my hubby of 7 years. ;) He was supposed to be an extra but the night before the shoot, the actor had a family emergency and had to pull out. As they say, the show must go on!