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Billboard Cover Story: Stephanie Fierce Readies New Album, New Life
FIERCE!
If I mention the words, ‘fierce’ and ’sinner’ and if Stephanie Fierce doesn’t come to mind, then you clearly
have been living behind the sun (literally). Stephanie Fierce is probably one of the biggest stars that is
actively making music right now. From the craziest and most talked about controversies to her mind raping
unexpected fierce lyrics. Take “The Bitch” ((from the third studio album)) when she describes the way her
ex’s new girlfriends gives intercourse, as an example. “She gives the kind of fuck, disgrace to humanity”.
It seriously cannot not get any better than that. That’s probably one of the most Rated-R lyrics I’ve heard
from any pop star, especiallyone who claims “Love Feels Like Grenades”.
Steph even managed to anger PETA just with her lyrics (("Plead the 5th" song from the third studio album)):
“Sorry for revenging the snake, as soon as I ate the apple, I shall not wear shoes that are fake”. Which is
followed by an evil laugh.”, Oh you bad girl you! Now those lyrics aren’t as well constructed grammatically
and might leave a bad itch feeling in you ears. But as Steph says herself, “I can and will say whatever the hell
I want as long as it’s the truth”.
Steph is also known for her unique collaborations. Collaborating with acts such as “Bikki“, “The Rockers”,
"The Nimrods” "Raven Comatose" and even "Ryan Ross Hernandez". And of course the more pop friendly
collaborations such as the one with “GirlSpice”, and “Miss Vanity”. Now might you hate Stephanie, you might
think she’s the biggest gimmick in existent. But no matter what it is, you MAY NOT deny the fact that Stephanie
Fierce is one fierce talented human being. I can tell this article has already made a lot people angry. But the lady
wouldn't sell over 100 Million records, 5 million tour tickets, win 3 Birdies ((2 in one night)) and be president of
Hot Eye Records if she weren’t talented. No wonder Billboard has chosen Stephanie F. Johnson as 2010’s
“Woman of The Year”. It’s a jealous world out there, I guess.
Meeting Stephanie and Johnny Johnson
This month it was a pleasure to sit down with the beautiful Stephanie Fierce Johnson to discuss on what the
latest was with her music and her amazing success in the industry. She was running only 5 minutes late, but
I didn't mind since I had all day and the only thing booked was the interview. So as she made her way into my
office for the interview, I swear the smell of honey roses took over my office. The sound of her high heels hitting
the floor built the anticipation to see her. And finally, she walked in.
We greeted and shook hands. Her voice was not surprisingly deep. She took the chair that was on the opposite
side of the table and placed it next to me. “Hope you don’t mind” she joked as she smiled. Then of course I told
her I didn't mind but felt dumb for putting it on the other side in the first place. I thought that was going to ruin the
positive energy but she proved me wrong.
After a few moments, a tall man who was wearing an all black outfit quickly made his way in, with me hardly
noticing. Then when I looked it was Steph‘s husband, Johnny Johnson. By now I felt really intimated by the two of
biggest stars in the building. His cologne took over the whole room beating out Steph’s. It was strong but adaptable
at the same time which I didn’t mind…..
After a moment of awkward silence, Steph breaks the ice and says. “Let’s get started shall we!”.
The conversation went pretty well! In fact, the pair really made me feel comfortable. We laughed and I’ll admit I
was a little too star struck but, we spoke to each other like if we knew each other for years. One thing I learned is
that the image they put of Steph and Johnny in the media is most definitely unrealistic. Overall, it was a pleasure to
talk to both of them and most definitely will remain as one of the interviews I will never forget.
Stephanie Fierce Readies Next Record & Kills off her past
In April 2010 after a dramatic album release and the whole death accusation fiasco, American singer-songwriter
Stephanie Fierce announced her departure with V-records and Spice Records and during the 20th International
Music Awards (IMAS’s/Birdies), Stephanie announced that she would be releasing her 4th studio album in the
fall under anew label. However, after announcing that she was in fact the new owner and president of Hot Eye
Records, Stephanie then went on to say that the album will be released in 2011 instead of fall 2010 as originally
planned.
“Yes. I really want to take my time with this album because it’s really important for me as an established artist
to make the album reflective and for it to meet my expectations. However, many things happened that just sort
of changed me as a person. So I burned every song. It wasn’t who I was and it took me a while to find myself
again. Which is the reason why I started all over. But now that I’m in 100% percent control, bring it on! I’m ready
for the new album *laughs*;I know that sounds so melodramatic but it’s the truth ”
Things started to pick up, until the singer announced almost two weeks before the Animal festival that she will not
be performing as planned. According to many reliable sources, Steph was set to premiere the new single off the
new album at the festival. When Stephanie was set to perform on the main stage and the festival organizer was
very upset by the cancellation. More importantly, the fans were outraged by Steph’s decision to cancel, since she
already had canceled the upcoming “Massacre in the Industry” tour. Stephanie’s manager released a statement to
the cancellation. Stephanie Fierce promises a free concerto to all the fans who were attending the festive in London,
next year.
Many believe that Stephanie’s pregnancy is to blame, but Steph has yet to verbally address the reason.
In June, Stephanie announced via U-stream that she’s begun the recording process of the album. She also
announced that she will be working with “The Producers” (an instrumental band) and two other artists whom she never
worked with before. Stephanie expressed to her fans that the feeling of making the album was similar to how she
felt when she recorded “Diary of a Pop Sinner”.
“You know I don’t think my third album is a bad album. It just wasn’t really pop friendly as my others. My focus was
more on the lyrics. Which is like it should be, I think that’s what is important in my music. I say this all the time, you
can have the most unique voice, the most unique sound and what you write can be bullshit. Of course you balance the
three out, which I didn’t do last record. I just kind of focused on what I was trying to say. And I guess that was so
pleasing to my fans who are more into the mainstream pop records. However, this record simply reminds me of
“DOAPS” because I have been writing like crazy and the craziest things have happened to me. So I have a lot to say.
I have managed to balance the three out pretty well. Also I’m surrounding myself with good people and while I didn't
necessarily do that with DOAPS, I feel like it’s almost the same feeling. Knowing who you are as a person is important
and that is allowing to make this album cohesive just like Diary of a Pop Sinner.”
Things also changed dramatically when Mrs. Fierce announced her pregnancy on Oprah early July.
“My pregnancy has brought a lot of happiness to this record and what I mean by that is that I have a new life
ahead of me. It’s something so amazing, that it just made me a happier person. So what I’m writing now is full
of joy and it’s a whole outlook. I feel like a whole new person. This definitely changed many things that were planned.
The past is dead and I‘m ready to move on you know. Newborn. ”
Interview with Stephanie Fierce
What is the most memorable experience in your music career?
Stephanie Fierce: That’s a hard one. I’ve had a lot of great experiences. Hmmmm…….but I think my most memorable experience has to be….and it‘s recent too….I will have to say becoming president and owner of Hot Eye Records. That’s a huge deal for me.
Many people it was easy. It’s not. It took me a long time to get that accomplished. I worked nearly 18-20 hours a day and sometimes had to sleep in my office for weeks. It gets pretty crazy. But now my pregnancy has given me the excuse to stop working that much and relax more. I have a good team around me. It’s worth it in the end.
How does it feel to be Billboard’s Woman of the Year?
Stephanie Fierce: I think it’s wonderful and I did not expect to be chosen. I honestly think any woman rich, poor, young or mature who can live their life and do things independently is a woman of the year. So I have to share this title with those women as well. But in reflection to having the title, I think it’s a huge honor.
How do you feel about people taking shots at you, whether is ghostly or publicly?
Stephanie Fierce: Well people want to intimidate me. Which is part of life. It just never works*giggles*. I’m still fierce. FIERCE! *snaps fingers and giggles* haven’t done that in a while! Well, My winds are still strong. Some people feel like their opinion can destroy me. That’s just not going to happen. I know who I am now and I know that I worked my ass off to get to where I am today. And I’m not going to let some dumb critic, artist or band intimidate me.
Talking about that, “Massacre in The Industry”, big hit across the world, especially here the in the US! What do have to say?
What was the purpose of the song?
Stephanie Fierce: I’m really surprised the song pulled through commercially, because it’s not your typical hit! The way it was composed was something different for me. I took a shot at experimental pop music so the structure is not typically meant for pop radio. Many radio stations banned the song. They wanted me to edit and cut it into a three and a half minute song and I said “Hell no!”. So they banned it. With the power of digital download it managed to go #1. I guess, I have a very solid and loyal fan base. It was a shame the music video was banned from Youtube and I refused to edit the video as well, so I never got to premiere it. But hopefully in the future I’ll be able to put it on you tube somehow. But right now I’m just moving along with things. Basically the purpose of the song was to address certain things that people are blinded by in the industry and it was just a song that reflected my feelings towards certain things and certain people., at the time…..
Now the lyric: “If you talk shit, Imma do you dirty” has become sort of like your catch phrase. What do you mean by those lyrics?
Stephanie Fierce: I don’t think I’ll be using that as my catchphrase or whatever because my mind set has changed. Well, like I state in the song. Some people ghostly took a shot at me. A lot of people turned their backs on me during the death incident and even talked a lot of bull afterwards. People still to this day keep stabbing me in the back. And basically that just says, some day or somehow I will get you back. It could be soon or in 20 years, but I will get you back, Some way! *giggles* However, that’s just part of how I felt at the moment. I’m more mature now. Right now I can be pretty forgiving. That doesn’t mean I won’t be pointing out certain things.
So the new album “Newborn”. Is this a whole new sound, a new era?
Stephanie Fierce: Well It’s going to be a whole new sound in the sense that it’s not the same as my previous. It would be dumb of me to repeat the same structure of my previous songs. That’s not fun is it? I think at this point you can tell what a Stephanie Fierce track is. My goal in music is not to be predictable. It always keeps things exciting. But of course, I’m never going to be something I’m not. It’s just the same representation of me as a person, but as if I was actually born again.
The album metaphors the idea of “being born again”. A whole new outlook towards loving others and living life itself. After a rough year, dealing with the death incident/accusations, picking up a new label, and countless other controversies, things were finally picking up for me. Making the album was like killing off my past. In other words, the album takes on daily issues every human being deals with, whether is love, death, hate and applying the concept of being 'born again'. The concept developed even more once I became pregnant, because my pregnancy brought a lot happiness to the album. Once again in contrast to "The Past, The Present and the Future of Pop", I have written songs that don't fit or mold in to the typical mainstream pop format.
It's going to be groundbreaking for me.
Now, you worked with Jakey Comatose on a track. How was that experience?
Stephanie Fierce: It’s probably one of the most touching musical experience I ever had in my life. There's a lot going on with him in his personal life, so I have to be very careful on how I use this track. The song is called "Immune". It's more of a vocal/lyrical song and there's a lot of emotion on that track, that I might just have to hold on to it for a while, so unfortunately it might not be on "Newborn". I respect him as a person not just as a musician and i wouldn't want to use his personal life as a promotional tool on my album.
How was it, working with Producers?
Stephanie Fierce: It was very fun and amazing to work with "the Producers" once more. We worked on most of the songs and I'm definitely proud of what we crafted with the sound, mixing and the arrangement .
You and Ryan Ross Hernandez worked on the amazing “I Love the Way You Loath Me” from Diary of a Pop Sinner.
How did the collaboration come about? What was it like to collaborate? Would you ever plan on collaborating again?
Stephanie Fierce: The song is an amazing song, mainly because of the lyrics and Ryan’s guitar playing. It’s very intense and builds climax. Yet, it’s very stripped down, and has that sass. The cool thing about the song is that it doesn’t necessarily choose a side. Everyone can simply relate to it, guy or girl. The message of the song is that love’s blind and sometimes we reach a point that you’re willing to love someone no matter what they do to you. Me and Ryan have had our disagreements and what not, so I thought he was the perfect person to do the song with. When I wrote the song, I was like Ok. This song needs a males’ perspective. Not just any male though, someone who has strong character and Ryan was perfect for it. I contacted an executive from Spice Records to make the arrangement, he agreed and we made it happen.
I think another collaboration would be a bit too much. Maybe in the near future when people are sick of “I love the way you loath me”. I don’t know.
You seem to be one of those artists who get shy when you are congratulated. Do you hate flattery?
Stephanie Fierce: It’s funny when people call me the Queen of Pop or the Princess of Pop or whatever. I always make fun of that. I hate titles. But of course I don’t hate flattery. I hate flattery just like I hate a delicious fat chocolate cookie If you know what I mean. Just call me the pop sinner. I’m not a queen or princess. I never follow the rules. Princesses don’t blow up their boyfriends cars.
You’ve really grown as an artist. You’ve always had the unique style and you’ve brought so much to pop music. Do you feel like you can top what you’ve already done?
Stephanie Fierce: Thank you for the compliment. I always want to grow musically. Which is a whole different mind set then just being more of a controversial pop star. I’m in my 4th album now, so I’ve learned quite a lot. I think the more you know about music the better you get. So I think I definitely top myself every time. It’s just gets better and better. At least for me.
With Stephanie Fierce & Johnny Johnson
You and Johnny have become one of the most talked about couples of the year. Since the wedding, do you feel overwhelmed by being in magazine headlines and all the break-up rumors? Is it hard to make the relationship work?
Johnny Johnson: I’ll let her comment on that one *laughs*
Stephanie Fierce: I actually don’t mind it. I know many people whine and bitch about that. I just play with what the media says until they leave me alone. Me and Johnny just ignore it and if they claim we broke up we purposely go to places separately. It’s fun, it keeps the relationship spicy.
Johnny Johnson: What Steph said. It keeps the relationship. Spicy. *Steph giggles*
How did you two meet exactly?
Johnny Johnson: I met Steph, when we collaborated on Hot Shot. But we really got to know each other when we filmed the music video for “Hot Shot”. That’s when I fell in love with her personality. She was just different from everyone else.
You both are expecting your first child. Can you describe the feeling you get every time you hear that?
Stephanie Fierce: It brings joy.
Johnny Johnson: Most definitely. I think me personally expecting a child, has woken me up. I’m about to be a father you know and it’s just a whole new chapter in my life. It’s definitely something that brings much joy to my life.
Stephanie Fierce: It’s definitely me made appreciate myself as a woman. We women have the ability to grow a human being inside of us That’s fascinating to me.
You both have a side project “Savior” that hasn’t been given much attention commercially. What is the decision behind that?
Stephanie Fierce: The band is as raw as music an get. Either you love it or you hate it. But the cool thing about this is that, I can seriously just get away from all the glamour and pressure and be myself.
Johnny Johnson: I think it also shows that Steph can be very versatile and has other talents many people didn't even know about.
More on Steph and Johnny on Part 2: Edited by user 28 October 2010 13:12:50(UTC)
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