Jessica Johnson is one of those artists you wish you had heard of… and now you have!

1. - First off… For those that don’t know you, tell people a quick summary of who you are?

Musically, I’m a vocalist, a writer, a producer, and a composer. Business wise, I’m extremely ambitious and hate to settle for anything less then my best. Personally, I’m just chill, laid back JJ ;)

2. - You have had a lot of interest in people from the music industry on various labels, why do you feel you haven’t been signed?

Good question! A&R people…why haven’t I been signed yet??? Ha! Just kidding. I think I’m still relatively new to the music scene. I should have forced my parents to pick and move and let me audition for the Mickey Mouse Club back in the day!!! Then, for sure I’d have a deal by now!! Haha! No, but on a serious note, I know I’m getting close. I just don’t think labels have any interest in developing artists anymore. That ship has sailed. You need to be shelf-ready and if I’m not there now, then I am very VERY close to being there!

3. - You have a very soulful voice, not something you expect from a girl from North Carolina… Who are some of your influences?

Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain….those ladies were my vocal coaches! I would listen to them over and over again, and if I couldn’t hit a note that they could hit….REWIND! I scratched a few cd’s up that way ;)

4. - As a woman in the music industry, do you feel that extra pressure to always be sexy? To always have that sex appeal to sell music?

Are you kidding me? YES!! The pressure is CRAZY! I want to be sexy, of course. I think being a woman is very sexy. I embrace it, but I really don’t want to be booty out all over the place. I’m just not comfortable with that. My motto is CLASSY sexy.

5. - What are some of your interests outside of music?

Well, I manage a restaurant that my fiance and father-in-law-to-be own. I am also very involved with my street team, JJ Promotions. I used to teach voice lessons, but had to stop because I just don’t have time anymore. I also still take piano lessons. You can never stop learning!

6. - Are you in music for the money or the passion? Bottom line is that this is a business, but would you still do this for free if you had to just because you enjoy it?

Both. I LOVE MUSIC! You could say that it saved my life. But if you’re not in it for the money, then what label is going to take you seriously. Best believe that they are very much in it for the MONEY. So first, I do it for the passion. I will always write and create music. My soul needs that! But, if I want to pursue this as a career, then I have to understand the business side of the industry….and I am a very business minded woman.

7. - Are you political at all? Do you have any opinions on the whole “global warming” topic? Is it real or just political games?

Global warming is a HUGE concern for me! My next car will definitely be a HYBRID. I am slowly evolving into this little green activist! haha I think that we need to really make the environment our primary focus around the world, because if we don’t, we won’t have to worry about hunger and AIDS killing people….another massive hurricane will just come through and do it!

8. - If you could sing a duet with anyone in any time period, who and why?

Frank Sinatra and Aerosmith. :)

9. - Do you feel that major labels try and change their artists too much, instead of just letting them be the act that they signed to begin with? Do you think some acts sell-out in order to get paid?

I think that those artists who “sell out” understand that when you are signed, you’re basically being HIRED for a JOB. And if you’re being paid, oh I don’t know, a million or so dollars, you’re going to do whatever they tell you!!! (atleast, if you’re smart you will) But once you prove yourself, then you’re given a little more control. To me it makes sense. The label is taking a HUGE RISK when they invest in any artist and A&R’s are literally putting their job on the line. That’s why when you’re starting out, you need to make music you love and that’s real for you. This way when you do get picked up, the label will make some adjustments, but they’re not going to have you do a complete 180. Otherwise, why would they have signed you in the first place?

10. - And the last question, kind of silly, but I ask it to everyone… Who is your celebrity crush? Was or still is?

Wentworth Miller. If I was single….. ;)

Now, go to my website at www.jessicajohnson.net! =)