
Jessie J
Sweet Talk With Jessie J
Pop/R&B singer/songwriter Jessie J recently visited The Recording Academy's headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif., to participate in an exclusive interview with GRAMMY.com. She discussed the making of her hit collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande, "Bang Bang," her efforts to remain healthy for her fans and her upcoming album, Sweet Talker, among other topics.
"It kind of really represents me and my life right now," said Jessie J regarding Sweet Talker. "I'm 26, I'm a woman. I enjoy being confident and free and sexy. For me, [the album is] pop with a soul, gospel edge."
London native Jessie J (born Jessica Cornish) immersed herself in the arts as a child, studying tap, modern dance, jazz, and acting. At 9 she starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical "Whistle Down The Wind," which was followed by a brief stint in a girl band with her sisters. At 18 she suffered a minor stroke but remained focused on her music. She subsquently received a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and began writing songs for artists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus. In 2011 she released her debut album, Who You Are, which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200. With Who You Are, Jessie J became the first UK female solo artist to achieve six Top 10 UK singles from a single studio album, with hits such as "Price Tag" featuring rapper B.o.B.
Scheduled for released on Oct. 14 in the United States, Sweet Talker follows Jessie J's sophomore effort, 2013's Alive. Co-produced by Max Martin and Pharrell Williams, among others, Sweet Talker features 12 tracks, including the Top 4 hit "Bang Bang," "Burnin' Up" (with 2 Chainz) and "Loud" (with Lindsey Stirling).