INTERVIEW: DEBORAH GIBSON

[Bylli Crayone]

INTERVIEW: DEBORAH GIBSON

1. Quite a few years ago you released "Memory Lane" volumes 1 & 2 exclusively through your website. Do you plan on releasing them again for those who didnt get the chance to get them?

DEBORAH: I will look into that : )


2. Since you and Tiffany are always compared with each other, would the two of you ever consider doing a duet together?

DEBORAH: I wouldn't rule it out although I think that because we have always been our own women and our own individual artists, to give people a reason to compare us by doing a duet may be setting ourselves back!


3. There seems to be a revival of late with so many 80s artists releasing new music, including you, Tiffany, Stacey Q, Taylor Dayne, Cyndi Lauper, Rick Springfield and more. Why do you think that is? And do you think they'll be around for a while?

DEBORAH: I actually think all the above named artists never stopped making music! I know Taylor has always released new suff, as Cyndi has...... I think true artists don't belong to one era. They keep doing their thing and when the spotlight finds them , it finds them - simple as that! I do notice that in production, however, all of those kitchy 80's synth/DX7 sounds are relevant again!


4. "Already Gone" is a great new song. I love the rock style it has to it. It's not so "Pop" like your past stuff. Is this the new direction you are in now? If a new album is on the way, is this the style we can expect on it? And is there any word of an album release date?

DEBORAH: That is probably as rocky as it'll get! The new material touches on that at one end of the spectrum but, there is also dancable stuff and ballads and everything in between! With kids now downloading a song at a time I don't believe an album has to be limited to one style or fit into one niche. No word on release date.... whenever it is done it will get released! I want i t to be fantastic!


5. Are you still the youngest singer to write/produce and (I think) direct your own videos/music?

DEBORAH: Close (LOL) I am the youngest to write, produce, and perform a #1 hit. I still hold that record which set almost 21 years ago! CRRRRRRAZY!


6. Do you think there will ever be a Greatest Hits DVD with all the videos on?

DEBORAH: Start a petition and write to Atlantic Records : )


7. My question is you have already seemed to please your dance music fans with remixes of your great original dance compositions like Shake Your Love, Only In My Dreams, Losing Myself, Only Words, and my all time favorite Anything Is Possible. You have worked with some of the biggest remixes in the biz. Jellybean, Junior Vasquez, Lewis Martinee, just too name a few. Are there any plans to do a remix collection. Like say what you did with Only In My Dreams in the late 90's. It would be great to see in the future maybe a Best of 12" collection with orignal extended versions and new updated remixes of classic Debbie songs. I can't wait for the new CD. All the best...

DEBORAH: I would so love to do a remix album with the new songs I am working on! I love hearing from you and all the fans as to what YOU want and that is a great suggestion : )


8. I remember back in the day hearing you had a huge crush on George Michael. I was wondering what your views are on him now as an artist and as a person?

DEBORAH: 1st of all - How funny is it that none of us knew? I mean - bermuda shorts and neon? I met him many times and he was always super nice to me and I still think he is one of the most talented people on the planet and that "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" is one of the craftiest and catchiest pop tunes of all times!


9. Living as a teen idol in the 80's and being such a big icon puts many pressures on such a young teen. Many teen idols turn to drugs, alcohol and suicide. Many cannot cope with the overnight success and tend to end up getting themselves into many struggling situations. Whether it be with the law or emotional issues. Some lash out in negative and angry ways and some turn down a much darker and lonely road never letting anyone in. It was said that only a few lucky ones were able to cope and survive past stardom.
Did you ever feel like you were alone and/or losing grip of your life, surroundings or who you were as a person?

DEBORAH: Great question! I think most people - performers or not - have dark times and meltdowns. Just being alone with your own t houghts can sometimes be daunting! Add to it the responsibility of being a young star - which is not to say "oh woah is me" but, what 16 year old is responsible for putting food on people's tables? I was a lot of people's source of income. It took me years to realize that it was indeed an unusual thing for a teenager! I looked at Britney's meltdown with a lot of compassion. I was lucky enough to have people close to me to protect the child inside and be a buffer rom those kinds of harsh realities. I don't think drugs or self destruction would ever be in my nature though. I don't know where that comes from but I am thankful I don't have those tendencies! I enjoy life too much, even with all of it's trying times!


10. When will you release the b-sides such as songs, "So Close To Forever", "The Most Beautiful Love Song" and "Love or Lust" in digital downloads so fans could have it in their collections as well.

DEBORAH: That is another great idea! I wanna focus first on gettin' a bunch more A sides/Hits!!!!! Then, I will go to "plan B side" (ha!)