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LaToya London Shares 'Love & Life'
A Starpoynt Exclusive
LaToya London became a household name last year as a finalist on "American Idol." She made it to the final four
with her classy style and delicious deliveries of songs from the likes of Elton John, Donna Summer and Barry Manilow. Peak
Records' president, Andi Howard, says he knew London had something from the first time he heard her. Once he signed her, he
went right to work securing some of the best names in the business to work on her album, including David Foster, Narada Michael
Walden, Rex Rideout and Barry Eastmond. The result is "Love & Life," a 14-track collection that showcases London's
effervescent vocals and true talent. London's debut single, "Appreciate," is currently charting on both urban and
urban AC. A veteran of the industry, the lovely London shared some insight with Starpoynt on her journey thus far.
Star - What important lessons did you learn from the "American Idol" experience?
LaToya - You have to be ready all the time. There's no "Wait for me to get ready." You have to be ready for
that spotlight. It could be on you any minute. Things don't always happen the way you expect, so be prepared.
Star - There was a rumor or story that Elton John took an interest in you and was in fact upset when you were voted off.
Did you ever hook up or meet with him?
LaToya - I met him while he was a guest on the show. Yea, he was upset that week the three of us... the three divas they
called us... were in the bottom three. We haven't hooked up yet.
Star - Hidden Beach artist Mike Phillips recently spoke about how he practiced eight hours a day and how he put the time
in to
perfect his craft... and that's how he ended up performing with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder in front of Nelson Mandela
and on tour with Prince. A lot of upcoming artists are looking for microwave success. Talk about your background and how you
came up in the music industry...
LaToya - My mom said I could sing when I was about 4. She kept me on my toes, performing in the community and for friends
and family. That pushed me and gave me the confidence to pursue a career in it. I loved the response I got from people and
that encouraged me also. At 12, I started getting into the studio and actually recording songs, and I kept it up until "American
Idol." I did hooks for rappers, demos for producers and just kept myself in it.
Star - Do you play an instrument? Did you study music?
LaToya - I sang in church choirs, community choirs. In school, I learned about chords and learned how to read and write
music.
Star - Did something happen or at one point did you say, "I want to sing for a living?"
LaToya - When I was about 7, I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I had that plan B, though. I wanted to be an obstetrician
and deliver babies.
Star - At times you may have felt like quitting or giving up... what would keep you going?
LaToya - I have never felt like quitting. I knew someday I would make it. I have always believed in myself and my talents.
I just never knew how long it would take.
Star - You worked with some amazing songwriters on your debut... what was it like being around the likes of David Foster,
Narada Michael Walden, Barry Eastmond?
LaToya - It was great. They have worked with
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| LaToya London's star quality was apparent on the 2004 season of "American Idol." |
a lot of the artists I have looked up to vocally, such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Anita Baker. I knew Narada for some
time because he is from the Bay Area. He would use my services... I would do like background vocals and demos for him. So
the vibe was already there when we got together to work on my album.
Star - You are a very attractive woman, so you probably have been in situations where a man has tried to come on to you
in a business setting. How do you handle situations like that?
LaToya - I have been so blessed never to encounter that situation. I have always worked with people that were really serious
about the music. So it's always been all business. I can never do things without being into it. I wouldn't be able to work
with anyone who tried to push up on me like that. It would make me uncomfortable. You have to be true to yourself and live
with yourself. You have to respect yourself and be true to yourself.
Star - As someone who has been there, who was once a no-name with a song and a dream... what's the best advice you can
give to those still trying to make their way into the music industry?
LaToya - Again, believe in yourself, be true to yourself and stay on your path. Things don't happen sometimes because
it's not the right time. Be patient. Keep working on it and it will happen when the time is right. Life will teach you and
guide you. I have been trying for a
record deal since I was a teenager and I didn't get one until I was 25. And now that I look back, I wasn't ready. It's important
to know who you are. This industry is very hard on you, so be patient and stay on the path and it will happen for you.
Star - What's in your CD player (iPod) these days?
LaToya - Jodeci. Joe. Kanye West's new album. Faith Evans. R. Kelly.
Star - Talk about your new album. What are some of your favorite tracks?
LaToya - One is "Waiting For You." It's a very inspirational song I wrote along with Barry (Eastmond). It's
a very encouraging song... "There's nothing to it but to do it." I like "Anything," too, because it is
a very romantic song. "Meet Me Half Way" is a song about relationships and how you have to meet each other half
way to make it work.
Star - What kind of promotions has Peak put together to get the word out about your album?
LaToya - We'll be running some television spots, we're putting up some billboards. Of course there will be a radio tour.
And we are servicing record stores with those big posters for display to let people know my CD is ready.
Star - What can we expect from LaToya London in the years to come?
LaToya - More music, of course. I am also looking to get involved with children. It's a crazy world and I want to have
an impact. It starts with the kids... that's the way we can change the cycle. We need to teach them how to function as citizens
of the world and learn how to focus on goals. I also want to get into acting. I'm a big jokester and play different characters
when I am around my friends, so acting comes natural to me and it's something I want to explore.
Thanks LaToya!
More information is available at www.LaToyaLondon.com.
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