Ushering in something new

Today’s music industry is in some pretty interesting phase. And that’s putting it mildly.

Perhaps not too many would argue with this writer if I say it just gets so frustrating sometimes to tune in to a radio station and find yourself listening to a series of “hit” songs sung by new artists who will disappear a couple of months later only to resurface later in the “compilation” CDs and to be almost completely unheard of again.

Thank goodness we have Madonna, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. These artists, who need no more than their first names to elicit the kind of excitement and draw record-shattering first week CD sales all across the world, have released their much-awaited new albums this year to record numbers and giving the music industry something to celebrate about.

And now, as summer draws to a close in the Philippines, another music superstar known by just one name returns with a brand-new album with a certified No. 1 worldwide hit carrier single and a collection of equally great songs penned by some of the industry’s current hitmakers.

Grammy-winning and R&B icon Usher has released his new CD after a well-calculated roll-out that included the Internet leak last February of Love in This Club. The single immediately topped the Billboard charts on its second week and has been on the Top 10 for more than 12 consecutive weeks now.

The album, Here I Stand, a follow-up to the singer’s 9.5 million-selling Confessions album, was supposed to come out in June but due to unprecedented fan demand, Sony decided to move the release a month ahead of schedule.

Last month, I was invited to sit down with Usher for an interview to launch the album at the glitzy Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Born Usher Raymond IV, the singer burst into the music industry in mid-‘90s and has had eight Billboard No. 1 hit singles since. He has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide and has won five Grammy awards.

He has also dabbled in films and in Broadway. His business savvy has been proven with a successful restaurant (“It’s primarily a wine bar,” he says) in his native Georgia and part-ownership of the popular NBA team Cleveland Cavaliers.

Last year Usher married long-time confidante Tameka Foster and welcomed their first child, Usher Raymond V in November.

His new album has taken on a more mature flavor and, as the singer tells this writer, he wants to take his fans through this latest journey with him beginning with the catchy single Love in This Club. The album also features the potential No. 1 hits Moving Mountains and His Mistakes, Usher’s collaboration with singer-songwriter Ne-Yo.

The interview covered Usher’s latest album, his career, fatherhood, and, as my friend Ginny reminded me, his abs. Here’s an excerpt:

What expectations do you have going into the launch of Here I Stand?

I think the audience will like it. It was a really great experience telling the story and I think it’s something everyone can relate to.

What’s the inspiration behind the album and how long did you work on it? How is it different from your previous albums?

I worked about three years on this album. I’m a little older now, I’m 29. I’m married and have a son. It’s a wonderful experience. This album reflects that. I think this album will make the fans slow down and read the lyrics. I think I’m giving my fans something they can feel — testimonies of life.

How has fatherhood been?

Being a father is the greatest pleasure in the world. You just want to do the right thing for your child.

What inspired you to name the album title Here I Stand?

It’s all about the musical side. It’s classic, R&B, it’s authentic. There is substance in the words.

The title of your first single is rather interesting — Love in This Club. Have you ever found love in a club before?

I think everyone has had that feeling of wanting to make love in a club. You see that person and just get that feeling — you know?

How does it represent the album as a whole?

Love in This Club is kind of an ice breaker. It’s been four years since my last album, so I wanted to do something like I used to, then show the progression of the story through the music.

What is the first thing that you want people to think after hearing what you have to say in your record?

I want people to believe that love is still there —that there is really something to believe in.

How does it feel to have the third largest chart jump in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart?

It’s always a pleasure to know that you can go away and come back and people still recognize you and appreciate you.

Are there any Asian touring plans coming up for the album?

Yes, I will definitely be in Asia for this project. I appreciate my fans all over the world. I would love to travel everywhere. If fans would like to keep up with where I am they can go to www.usherworld.com.

You collaborated with will.i.am and Ne-Yo on this album, which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I’ve been talking with Kanye West for a possible collaboration. I toured with him for a while. I’ve also been talking with Justin Timberlake. All the details haven’t been worked out yet.

How was your experience doing Broadway?

Being on Broadway was really living in the moment. It taught me to be a better actor, to be more conscious of what I was doing and it gave me new respect for theatrical actors. There is no going back and redoing it. I don’t think I was off book the entire time.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

I would say, “Dream.” This industry is not easy, so you have to work hard.

Do you think luck plays a part in one’s success?

No. I think it’s all hard work and always being prepared. Always being ready because you never know when you might get that chance.

Can you tell us something we don’t know about Usher?

I love breakfast! I love to cook breakfast for my step kids.

You are also known for your great abs. Do you have a specific regimen?

(Laughing) I’ve been talking about my abs for 14 years! Yes, I have abs! I do have a regimen, but I don’t use weights, eventually they will put too much stress on your body. I believe in eating well and living well.