Q-How
important do you think it is for music to be involved in
education for kids?
A-I
think it's extremely vital. I would be here if it wasn't for
music education. It's beneficial to life.
Q-Why do you think the arts in general receives such little funding in schools?
A-I think it's viewed upon as not a #1 priority. They look at what's more important, like subjects to help with the SAT's, etc. They miss that music is vital. It offers a break from a stressful day of science and math and it's different.Q-Do you think it's important for kids to have "musical mentors"?
A-Yes, those that want to pursue music. But it's important to have "real" mentors to ground them. Not what the entertainment industry throws out there. A mentor can be a teacher, anybody.
Q-Do you have anything coming up, a new album perhaps?
A-I've been working on something, just some jazz, relaxed stuff. It will be standard, just piano and voice. It started out as a fun project for me though, I'm still not sure about releasing it. We're still in the decision making process for it. Right now music is not what's there for me, I'm really focused on getting to acting. I want to do that. Even though my movie [From Justin to Kelly with Kelly Clarkson] wasn't a big success, I'm still really glad that I started with it. It was a great learning experience for me and I have no regrets at all.
Q-How have you grown as an artist and as a human being, what have you learned about music in the recent years?
A-I've learned a lot of lessons. I've definitly grown up quickly as a person. You're kind of forced to in this industry. I'm more clear on what I want now. I've learned the music that I don't enjoy singing. I've also learned a lot about the behind the scenes aspect of music and that it is a business. It's not called showfriendship but showbusiness.
Q-If you weren't in this industry right now, what would you be doing?
A-There are a million things I can think of that I would I want to do. Reporting like you, would be one. A talk show host maybe,also. I want to do a lot.