Usher: "Ushering" in His Own Era

He's at the top of the charts with singles and album sales and his tunes stick there like bees to honey. Chart topper, smooth-grooving singer Usher Raymond.. Just stick with "Usher", is going on The Truth Tour with Kanye West, and tickets have already sold out all over Europe and they're going fast in North America. We tuned in via phone with Usher and got the latest scoop on the plush singer's plans for his tour, his musical beginnings, very personal songs and personal breakthroughs. Stay tuned in....

TeenMusic: We know Marvin Gaye is one of your musical heroes, can you please tell us how Marvin has influenced you, in general, and specifically, the songs on "Confessions"?

Usher: As a child, I was introduced to Marvin by listening through my  grandparents and I always admired songs like "What's Going On?" I mean I hadn't really known that much about "sexual healing" but everybody else seemed to love the records. As I grew older, I began to get more into his catalogue before he had his big radio hits and that's when I really fell in love with his style of music and just realized how honest he was able to be through his music helping me become more comfortable with the music that I create. That's the long of it. The short of it is, he made some hot music.

TeenMusic: What made you feel like you were ready to open up and speak/sing from your heart on your album?

Usher: There's a few things. One, I was obligated to as a writer, so I had to get my eyes and ears and start writing, one. The more I worked with producers who really wanted to get to know me and my vocal ability it made me more comfortable. I would simply sit down and have conversations with producers, give them a sense of what I wanted to talk about, what I liked, what I was going through and they wrote records about me. So, once I figured out the formula, I said, you know what, who's going to write a better song for me than myself?

TeenMusic: So a lot of the openness is due to your producers' influence?

Usher: All I've got to do is align myself with those producers who know how to go where I want to go musically. So, I worked with (Vidal and Dre). I made a great connection with Jermaine Dupri. I would compare it to the great combination of Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, you know or Janet Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. You know it's just those certain producers that you can identify with that just naturally understand how to make great music for you. The more comfortable I felt with speaking about my personal life and my personal situations, you know, I began to do it. People helped me articulate. Then I got to a point where I felt like I could do it myself.

TeenMusic: How did "Confessions: Part 2" come about?

Usher: Confessions, Part Two, as an artist through your own music, you kind of make yourself vulnerable to those things that are exciting around you. So, for instance, if -- I may not necessarily be in war but I may have passion, you know, my passion may come by way of something that I saw or someone else's passion, so I will write a song about that. Confessions, specifically, is a story that I think a lot of gentlemen, you know, go through and I thought it would be a great idea for a song. I just thought of making great music that people could relate to, if I didn't pull from my own personal experiences to make these songs, I wanted to pull from things that were very real.

TeenMusic: What was it about this record that was the big breakthrough for you?

Usher: It could have been the fact that, after 10 years, I've been constantly doing it.  I definitely have to give credit to L.A. Reid, in his leaving Arista or resigning from his position, there was an opportunity for some person to step in and be the award winner, the person that would take all the credit for coming in and fixing this thing. We had a great album before he left, but it could just be, surely, God's grace and my persistence, prayer, and patience. Through that, I've been able to continuously perform around the world. But I can't credit it to one thing. I can't credit it to the coming of age. I went through some personal issues that brought a lot more attention to me. It could be a million and one things but, musically, I think it's genuinely about having great songs, having great producers, having great energy, and being a hard worker, and it's like I had all of those things.

TeenMusic: Is it difficult to be an R&B singer in a hip-hop age?

Usher: You have to be a part of the environment but not be influenced. You have to be amongst the ranks but not fall into, I guess, the simple things. In my opinion, I felt that R&B was beginning to do that. We, as R&B artists, began to sing more or less about novelties and material things, just too much of it over-saturating R&B music and, that way, it's just not good. What I wanted to do – what I planned to do after listening to great artists like Eric Benet, great artists like Joe, like Marvin Gaye, I said, "You know what? This is the motto that we need to go up. This is what I feel represents R&B," because they're real songs, they're real music, great producers; but yet, when you go back and read through the lyrics, it means something, he says something, it's more. So that's what being a great R&B artist is to me. Thinking outside of the box but yet still making yourself available to a hip-hop nation.

TeenMusic: How did you choose Kanye West as your opening act for the tour?

Usher: I've personally met him several times. In working on this album, I wanted him to be one of the producers to work on it. We didn't work out, but I got his album. I'd already admired him as a producer, but when I heard his music, man, it was in high rotation in every car that I own. Just looking at the amazing year that he's had, I think it's artists like that who just need an opportunity to make that next step, and I wanted to offer it to him then the same way that they offered it to me, the same way that Mary J. Blige offered it to me, the same way that Puffy offered it to me.

TeenMusic: Are we going to hear some wild on-tour stories about you?

Usher: You know what? Normally, unfortunately, when I'm touring, I'm very focused. You probably won't hear that much. Maybe you might hear a story about me maybe sneaking away from my bodyguards and going on the subway or something like that with a sexy model, maybe something like that; but you're not going to hear too much about me hanging out because I don't really hang too much. I have to keep my energy. That way, if I do have my after-parties, I'll go to my after-parties, or maybe I'll play at a secret location with a band, just do some very exclusive, very up-close-and-personal, and that's a treat. It's artists like Prince that kind of introduced that. But other than that, you're not going to hear too much about me hanging out. I really don't get a chance to so, unfortunately, I probably might not be able to enjoy all of the lovely cities.

TeenMusic: What other modern R&B artists do you like?

Usher: Oh, there's a ton of them, man. You've got Anthony Hamilton, you've got Musiq, you've got so many artists. R. Kelly, Joe. I was just listening to – what's my man from Chi-town – Ginuwine is one of them. But there's a lot of artists. I just wish that we as a community could come together and work for it together. But I feel like, in a way, we're kind of scattered and hip-hop comes together, and that's why it was so important for me to do this record that I just did with Alicia Keys. I don't know if you have heard it, but it's very important for R&B to have a face, a strong face.

TeenMusic: Your stage show is pretty elaborate. Did you model it after any other show?

Usher: This is a one-of-a-kind show. Bigger is better. It was created from scratch. I worked hand-in-hand with the creators and architectural  people who put it together, as I am with every tour that I do. In America, you guys are going to get the treat. There's no telling who's going to come on stage. I've done so many songs with other artists, specifically with this record, like Confessions, (Part 3). When you hear about it, you're going to be shocked. I've done a lot of remix work and also a few duets, so you never know. You've got to be at the show!

TeenMusic: You not only sing but do some wild dance moves as well. Does dancing ever concern you?

Usher: Well, I'm always concerned that a performance is not going to come off perfect, but no one is perfect. You try to make the best out of each moment because each moment is a piece of history, and it's going to be memorable for those people who were there; so I try to make it personal, although it's choreographed. The preparation that takes place, normally, for my tours are about four months to three months out, maybe even more than that, just for personal appearances, not just touring, but all the television performances. I'm constantly working.

TeenMusic: Are you going to tailor your shows to each venue?

Usher: I'm going to make each and every show as personal as possible. You can expect a few special guests. Just know I'm very spontaneous. I'm the kind of artist that never is content. I always continue to pay attention. As I'm onstage, I'm watching the reaction of the audience so that I know for the next show what thing I may change; maybe I may pause a little bit longer on certain parts, or maybe I may take a longer music intermission, just really talk with the audience if I feel like that's what they need. I have built enough space in the production to tailor-make every performance, which many artists don't do.

TeenMusic: What is the down side of all your success? Is it loss of control?

Usher: Yes it is very hard when you go from being controlled to controlling. Rather -- and it's with good intentions. Whether it's the record company guiding and controlling your career, or the manager, you know, leading you. I got to a point where I understood it. It's like I've had a Harvard education in music. I mean, being around L.A. Reid, being around Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, P. Diddy, Steve Stout, so many great executives. I learned a lot. I learned a lot about being an artist. I learned a lot about being an executive, you know, and now I'm in a position to kind of lead my career in a direction that I feel 100 percent comfortable with.

TeenMusic: There is a rumor that when you were a kid you got into entertainment because you wanted to own...

Usher: Krispy Kreme! And as a child, I said to my grandmother, "You know, one day I'm going to own one of these Krispy Kremes." I still don't own it to this day, but, you know, that's one of the reasons I said "I've got to make some money because one day I've got to, you know, I've got to own this Krispy Kreme."

TeenMusic: You're very athletic and in great shape. How do you decide what you're going to eat?

Usher: I have a nutritionist and I have to keep to a very strict diet.  I take vitamins, ginseng and Echinacea. There's different supplements and pills that I take to just sort of keep my immune system up because it's so draining on stage every night. I eat well as well. Like I said, it's a very strict diet. Normally it's chicken, fish, and sometimes, sometimes, maybe on an off day, beef. But mainly on this tour I'll be doing chicken, fish, light fruit, something like maybe cantaloupe or watermelon. And a mixed green salad, something like that. Spinach, broccoli, no carrots, no corn. As I said, a very strict diet.

TeenMusic: With the personal nature of the songs on this album, did you found the song-writing process this time around to be particularly therapeutic or satisfying in that kind of way?

Usher: Absolutely. At the time I was in a very serious relationship. I felt like, in a way I may possibly offend my partner. So, you know, once we decided to no longer date each other, I felt the sense of relief. Like, "Wow, wow." And then I could really go back and listen and say, "Man, I was crying out. Or I was really having a problem." That's sort of when I recognized it. But in a sense, yes -- music is sort of like a diary, man, like a journal. You want to listen in the car. You're going to listen to it in the club. You're going to listen to it with your partners. It might help you get through your relationship. It might help you feel better.

TeenMusic: You manage to be hot without using a lot of curse words. Is that intentional?

Usher: That's my approach. There's a way to get your point across without curses sometimes. There's a way to, you know, get your point across without degrading a woman, and you know, you can be very, very creative. That's what music is all about. So the fact that kids can listen and admire it, what I do is cool. I want to encourage parents to listen to this album with their kids, you know. Don't only -- don't just buy it for your kids-OK, that's fine-you buy it too. There might be something good on there for you. But if not, just to bond with your kids, you know. This is what they like, this is what they want to talk about, this is maybe what they're going through. It might help you out in your relationship. It may make you grow stronger. Music brings people together. There's no parental advisory sticker on this album.

TeenMusic: But a lot of popular musicians don't feel that way.

Usher: You know, it tripped me out the other day, I was having a conversation with this guy, this six-year-old kid. He persuaded his man to let him to listen to 50 Cent in the car, and we were driving and listening to 50 Cent, and he knew every song -- every song on the album. Now you and I know that 50 Cent songs, they're extremely vulgar. And it's like, "Parents listen to what your kids -- pay attention to what your kids are listening to, man. That's not to say that 50 Cent is bad. That's his life. That's what he's born to, and maybe your kids can admire it. It's like television: Music is like, changing to a new channel. Everybody has a different story.

TeenMusic: Have you ever gotten a bizarre present from a fan?

Usher: Aside from the tons of underwear that comes? There's some letters and things that kind of worry me, but that's about it. However, I do find it very, very complimenting that I have encouraged kids in my fan clubs. They say, "I've truly been inspired by you." So some kids will send paintings, they'll send pictures, they'll send, you know, different art, and I keep this stuff, because one day, who knows, that may become a huge -- that may become my next Picasso, and I have their first piece, you know what I mean? That is what makes it worthwhile, knowing that you're influencing kids to do something with themselves, do something with their lives, make them feel good about themselves.

TeenMusic: With three songs in the top 10 at once, do you now feel like the King of Pop?

Usher: I don't think I ever want to be the person who is self-proclaiming  myself as the King of Pop. If I was given that title, I would accept it and I would hope that I would represent it properly because Michael Jackson held it down for almost 40 years. So I hope that I would last that time and then some. You know, I am a (consummate) professional, you know, and perfectionist. I try to be as mindful of everybody when I'm doing my albums and making my music. This is all a blessing.

TeenMusic: What song off of the album is most meaningful to you and why?

Usher: I would say "Burn," because I know what it feels like once you let it burn. I know what it feels like when you're going through the situation. And those songs are written from a very personal place. In addition to that, they represent what I call my style. You know how every artist has those songs that they're just known for, that style like they say, "Oh, that's sounds like an Usher record" or "That sounds like a Marvin Gaye record," "That sounds like a Michael Jackson record." You know? It's a trend, a brand. That's what that brand – it's a part of that brand.

TeenMusic: Do you see yourself as one day being the ultimate entertainer; music, acting, dance, etc?

Usher: As a stage performer, I feel like I'm at the top of my game. I've invested the time, I'm hard-working. I come with not only just a microphone and a light, but production that goes with it. Being an ultimate entertainer is not just about being a stage performer. It's about being an actor, it's about being a producer, it's about being a director, which I – I was able to do on this album. You know, I directed some of the videos. I'm getting closer and closer to every day. Who knows. Hopefully one day I'll win an Oscar for a video or a short film.

TeenMusic: It seems with this album you're at a point in your life where you want to share very personal feelings through your music. What would you say to teens right now?

Usher: Guys and girls. Some advice to them right now. Prepare to vote. That's the advice that I would give them. If you're old enough to vote,  you better vote. Two, you know, every day is a learning experience. Look at a life as a learning curve. You're never going to figure it out completely. Every day is meant to be imperfect, so don't try to be perfect. Do your best. You're going to learn something in every (step) you make. You have to be rational as a person. Everything that you do think, pray before you make a decision. Normally kids or young adults are upset with themselves maybe because they're confused and because they don't know what decision to make. There's no rush. Life is not going to go by faster or any slower. Learn from your mistakes and enjoy those moments that you get when things are going really good, man. That's my – that's my advice to them.

TeenMusic: What's next for you after this "Truth" tour from acting to your music.

Usher: After this tour, I plan on giving a little time to my acting at the top of the year. But my first priority is to make sure this tour kicks off successfully. Having Kanye West as my opener, I'm really preparing to give my audience a great show and not just throw hit records, so here we go. Let's get it. You've seen the videos; you've seen the performances on the television. I'm trying to bring every bit of those elements back to the stage to make it a special moment, a night to remember for everybody.

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Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and produced screenwriter.