Labour of Love

My baby twins Emme and Max have inspired the lyrics and the music on my new album. You think of the world in a different manner because you feel love in a deeper,more profound way than you ever felt it in your life and it makes you question and think about things differently too. This is why I decided to call it Love? because I started questioning,thinking,wondering and challenging myself when it came to love. And that’s what the album is about.

Is this your most special album because it happened during your pregnancy?

Yes,this album is special. It was created actually after the babies were born,because I was on tour while I was pregnant and then I had the babies and then I didn’t do anything. After they were about eight months old,I started recording again. So I have spent two and a half years,for sure,working on this album. It just takes that much time sometimes.

Whic artistes have influenced your writing and music?

Gloria Estefan,Tina Turner,James Brown,Michael Jackson,Madonna and Janet Jackson are some of the musicians to whom I look up.

Which are some of your favourite songs from the album? Why?

Wow! Choosing one is going to be a task! I really do love them all. The songs are unique in their own ways.

Can you explain the name of the album? Why is there a question mark after love?

I wanted to challenge a topic and hence chose ‘love’ with a question mark. I wanted to talk about different aspects of love; all the different things that people think and go through and wonder about when it comes to this big thing, this thing in our lives that nobody can live without and no loving thing can survive without.

The album has garnered positive reviews all around. Are you happy?

Yes,I am happy. It feels great when your work,your album is appreciated and liked by your fans.

A lot of young singers have come in since you shot into the limelight. What keeps you going?

My love for music and dancing keeps me going. It’s a big part of my life.

What gives you the most pleasure — acting,singing or dancing?

All the three hold a very special place in my heart and at the same level. I was always a singer and dancer and acting was something I wanted to pursue. On the other hand,when you become a mother you just mature so quickly in such a deep way and you think life is short and you have to just go for things.

How much impact has your husband Marc Anthony had on your professional life? What are your dining-table discussions like?

Marc has supported me a lot. He totally believed that I have a beautiful voice; and encouraged me all the time when I was recording the album.

Is there anything special you’re planning to do now?

I have recorded the Spanish-language versions of some of the songs from Love? and am planning to release a full-length Spanish album next. I want to go on a tour as well.