In my one-on-one with the Irish born singer, I delved into details about her album, which was released on June 16, 2009 in the United States, her journey acquiring a record deal, and I got to experience a more personal side of the voice behind Let the Truth Be Told.
Timothy Michael Carson: I found your album to be a breath of fresh air. Did you contribute to the songwriting to each of the album's tracks?
Laura Izibor: (Nodding her head) Yes I did.
TMC What types of genres are visited on your album?
L.I.: The core of the album is probably Soul. There's Pop, R&B, and I don't want to say Rock, but there is a flicker. It's whatever people want it to be. I'm not one of those people that get offended if someone says it's something else. It makes no difference to me. I'm not going to be mad because someone classifies it incorrectly.
TMC: What is your favorite song on the album?
L.I.: (Laughing) That's like asking a parent which is their favorite child. It changes from day to day. Right now I really love "I Don't Want You Back" and "What Would You Do."
TMC: Well let me tell you that I absolutely L-O-V-E the last track on the album, "Mmm." I think it showcases your vocals and it's you at your best.
L.I.: (Smiling and blushing) Aw, wow thank you.
TMC: Why did you name the album, Let the Truth Be Told? What truths are you attempting to convey with this album?
L.I.: In my life I think I tried to do right. "I've gone through these things. I've experienced these things. The word truth to me is about being natural. That's what this album is. It's my truth about my life. It's also about where I want to be and where I want to go. It's a visual. I'm not a 'super starry' or 'fame crazy' type of person. I'm real and down to earth. You can hear it in throughout album.
TMC: How do you feel about the comparisons that you are receiving to the likes of Jill Scott, Joss Stone, and I believe I even heard Lauryn Hill and Aretha Franklin? Are any of them influences?
L.I.: Aretha is, and Jill … yeah. Much respect to Joss. All these female artists are incredible. I don't understand why the media tries to pit one singer against another creating drama like we are clawing at one another. I mean if Ray Charles can sing Stevie [Wonder's] and Donnie [Hathaway] can sing Marvin [Gaye's] [songs], why try and create that [drama]? We all are contributing to music. The great thing about all these artists is that they are able to be in one room doing music.
TMC: The concepts of the album, whether indirectly or directly, are they about you?
L.I.: Yeah, if they are not about me, then they are my vision…my honest opinion of someone else's experiences.
TMC: What is was your biggest fear about becoming a signed artist?
L.I.: (Without any hesitation) That the industry will drain my love for music.
TMC: What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
L.I.: I'd like to change people's perspectives on themselves and about different situations. To uplift, and to make some sort of impact even if it serves as comfort music.
TMC: In today's day and age, the record industry is suffering and album sales are down due to illegal bootlegging, why should consumers go out and purchase your album?
L.I.: I'm not going to give you all these fake promises and rants up-selling my album like a car salesmen would do. I think if you want something that is from the heart and fresh then this album is definitely for you. It's a very human album. You can experience the journey, feel the hurt, and feel the love. If you are hoping to experience something you will get it with this album.
TMC: What makes Laura Izibor any different from any of the artists that we hear on the radio and see in the videos?
L.I.: (Laughing and smiling) I'm black and Irish! Need I say any more? I think not! But honestly, I write everything.
TMC: I hear that you play the piano. Do you play any other instruments?
L.I.: Yes, the guitar.
TMC: If you can change anything about the album what would it be?
L.I.: Nothing. You learn everything happens for a reason.
TMC: Where do you see yourself within five years as an artist?
L.I.: As an artist? Growing. Every week in my element, "I hear my voice getting stronger and stronger. I am excited to see where I'll be in five years creatively and musically what I'll be creating.
TMC: What kind of tribulations did you have to go through before getting signed?
L.I.: Umm … I got a development deal in Ireland at the age of 14. It wasn't a record deal. I was so upset! I didn't sing for three months.
TMC: So no rejections from record companies?
L.I.: (With a chuckle) That was a rejection.
TMC: But you actually had a development deal. That's more than most people get.
L.I.: Oh wow. I suppose. But no I didn't really experience rejections. I won a talent competition at the age of 16, and then I made a demo. Then everything happened so fast. I was informed that I had 15 record labels interested in me. I got my first rejection at 14, won the talent show at 16, and I got signed at 17 with an American record deal.
TMC: How did you feel when you first heard your song on the radio?
L.I.: It was strange for me because my album wasn't out, but it was AMAZING!
TMC: Where were you?
L.I.: I was at home in Ireland.
TMC: Are you big star over in Ireland?
L.I.: Well you know Ireland is only so big.
TMC: Are you based in Ireland or America?
L.I.: Well Ireland is always home.
TMC: What's the theme beyond the album's opening song, "Shine"?
L.I.: It was written for a friend who was stuck in life. They were going through some personal things and I wrote the song as an anthem to them and to myself to get up and do it!
TMC: Artistically who would like to collaborate with?
L.I.: (Artist wise) I love Jill Scott and India Arie.
To read more about Laura Izibor's musical debut, check out my review of Let the Truth Be Told.
