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Shakira Interview
Colombian pop siren Shakira has catapulted international fame. She has been promoting her latest album, Laundry Service, around the world. The singer made some time for a quick interview. Gene: Your first English album, Laundry Service debuted on Billboard's 200 Albums Chart at #3 with 202,000 copies sold, making you the highest debuting Latina album. How has the reception been around the world so far? Shakira: Well, the single, "Whenever, Whereever" has been #1 in more than 35 countries. I am so happy that everyone gave me the chance and listened to my music. They seem to be liking it so far. Gene: Not only do I hear an Arabian sound on the album, but also African. How would you describe your sound? Would you say it is Colombian flavor? Shakira: Yes and no. I am so in love with the rock sound, but at the same time, because my father is of 100% Lebanese decent, I am devoted to Arabic tastes and sounds, too. Somehow, I'm a fusion of all those passions and my music is a fusion of many elements that I can make co-exist in the same place, in one song. Gene: So what does Laundry Service mean? Shakira: I used to have a slightly narrow vision of love. Now I am feeling unguarded and it feels great. I feel washed clean of the way that I looked at things in the past which is why the album is called Laundry Service. Gene: What have you learned from your musical partnership with Emilo and Gloria Estefan? Shakira: I've learned how to take full control of my career and not compromise. Gloria helped me to understand that I should and I could take on the challenge of recording for a larger audience, one that spoke English and Spanish. Gene: How did you get that great body? And where does all the great dance moves come from? Shakira: I try to exercise, but I have been traveling so much for the promotion of this album. And the chocolate in Europe, well, I've never taken a dance lesson anywhere. It seemed to be something that just, my dance moves are in my blood. Gene: So what's your favorite place or country you like to visit? Shakira: Well, I always love to go home to Colombia, but there's never enough time to stay as long as I like. Gene: What do you do in your spare time? Shakira: I like to go to the beach, but I'm very scared of sharks lately. I also like to read and paint. I'm not a good painter, but it's something that I enjoy. Gene: I understand your English is better on some days than others. Does it make you more nervous to do an interview in English? Shakira: I was born in Spanish and raised in Spanish. I live in Spanish. I love in Spanish. To translate all my feelings in English is definitely one of the most interesting things that have happened in my career so far. Gene: At times, your singing voice sounds like many different people, mostly, Gwen Stefani of No Doubt. Have you noticed this? Shakira: No, but I am getting used to being compared to so many people. That's perfectly understandable when you are new on the scene as I am in America. But it's all an improvement on when I was a little girl and one teacher said my voice sounded like a goat. |
