Last week, Jon ALi was given the chance to talk to 21-year-old singer-songwriter JoJo! In 2004 she became one of the youngest artist to have a #1 single on the Pop Charts with “Leave (Get Out).” Fast forward to 2012, the now grown up songstress is getting ready to release her long-awaited third studio album Jumping Trains this Spring. With first single “Disaster” already climbing up the charts, JoJo tells us she has a lot plan for this new era in her career. Check out his interview with JoJo below where we talked about Jumping Trains, her future plans, Adele, and more!

Jon: Hey JoJo! How are you?

JoJo: I’m good. How are you?

Jon: I’m great, super excited to talk to you.

JoJo: Perfect. I’m excited to talk to you.

Jon: Yay! Good. You must be excited, I was just actually looking at the Mediabase Charts and “Disaster” is doing so well.

JoJo: I know! I actually woke up to a great phone call about some new adds that came in today and I’m very excited. You know historically things don’t happen overnight for me [Laughs], It’s always been a climb and a build, the result of hard work and dedication, but I don’t mind that at all. I think that it makes me appreciate everything more when things do happen. I’m really excited, the time is great, I believe in the song, I love to sing it, and I’m thankful that I’m still here.

Jon: Yes, definitely. I feel that’s what everyone else is thinking. They’re happy its doing well and hopefully it just continues to do so.

JoJo: Yeah! Exactly.

Jon: Do you plan on doing some performances for “Disaster” soon? Maybe a television performance?

JoJo: Definitely. Although it may feel like the single has been out for awhile, It’s quite early on in the game. We haven’t started on the full campaign yet. Especially for Jumping Trains or even “Disaster.” There is a lot more that will come of course as far as promotion. Right now we’re focused on the radio aspect of it. There’s a couple different components that go into an unveiling of a single and moving into the era of the album release. All those things are on our agenda.

Jon: Great. The song has a chance to have some great longevity and I think it’s always better when it works out that way.

JoJo: Exactly

Jon: Other than the album and the single, I recently saw that you filmed something with Clearasil. Tell me more about that.

JoJo: Yeah. I’m really excited because I’ve never had someone put me as the face of their product. I’m representing them in their product, Clearasil Perfectawash, and its a product I really really believe in. I don’t feel comfortable letting myself do something that I can’t personally stand behind. That’s just the way my mama raised me [Laughs]. When I was approached about this, I was happy to find out the product really works. We filmed the commercial over two days and I can’t wait for it to come out.

Jon: Yeah, that’s going to be great. You’ll basically be taking over our televisions [Laughs].

JoJo: Yeah [Laughs]. I’m excited.

Jon: Good so that will be out and ultimately lead into the album release for Jumping Trains. Is the album done?

JoJo: I have not stopped recording and I probably won’t stop until they say ‘Ok, you have to turn it in’ [Laughs]. The album continues to take on a different shape every month honestly. I’m just always in the studio. There is a couple songs that never change, you know. For example “Jumping Trains,” the title track of the album, “Disaster” and a few other ones. Besides that, as life unfolds new inspiration follows so I’m always in the studio. I need to express myself so we’re always recording.

Jon: That’s great to hear. I love that when you feel the inspiration you have that outlet when you need it.

JoJo: Oh, I’m so lucky. I think I would’ve already combusted if I didn’t have that outlet to express myself [Laughs].

Jon: [Laughs] Totally. Once you’ve completed the album; Is there anything specific you want your fans to take from it?

JoJo: The thing I hope my fans and the listeners take from it and from albums to follow or anything else I record is that; I want it to feel like its the soundtrack to their life. I want them to feel like this is an excerpt from their journal or something like that. I want it to feel real. I want it to feel transparent and something that people can live with and live through because I write about life. I have to express myself and I just hope the way that other artists effect me and encourage me through their music. I hope I do the same for my listeners.

Jon: Yeah, I think that’s the best thing that can happen. When you can reach out to a listener or fan just through your music that you’re proud of, that is the best gift ever.

JoJo: It’s the greatest feeling in the world. That human exchange and human connection is what we do it for or what we should do it for. It’s really all about connecting and telling stories. We all feel the same things regardless of age, race, sex, sexual preference, anything, we all feel. That is what music does, it makes you feel.

Jon: Exactly! That’s how it should always be.

JoJo: Completely agree.

Jon: So what are your plans next? Touring? Another single?

JoJo: Yes. The intention is to release another single before the album comes out but right now we’re focusing on “Disaster.” Like you mentioned, its still climbing and just starting to get its legs so that’s very exciting. What I’m doing is a lot of promotion with radio and just little show dates here and there. That’s what I’ll consistently be doing. Then eventually my intention is to go overseas and start promotion over there and do a proper roll out which I’m really looking forward to. I love to travel, soak in new cultures and learn new things so that will be fun. I’m also doing a few tour dates with Big Time Rush next month and just gearing up for the promotion of the album which will come out this Spring.

Jon: Yay! That all sounds amazing. I know people can’t wait. It’s been awhile since we’ve received a proper JoJo album.

JoJo: I’m really really excited.

Jon: I’m excited for you. Alright. Let’s take some fan questions. First up: What do you think of Adele and her success?

JoJo: I think it’s great for music. I think its so refreshing that we’re hearing a real voice without any effects or any auto-tune on the radio and its winning in a major way. I don’t want to say pioneering but I do want to say pioneering almost because its ushering in a new era in 2012 where people are going to want to hear real stories and real voices. It doesn’t need to be records about we’re getting drunk, we’re fucking everything we can [Laughs]. You know? It’s really exciting that a real singer is winning in such a real way. She is not compromising her integrity, I have a great respect for Adele and what she does.

Jon: Well said, I completely agree. Next one. Can we expect any songs like “In The Dark“?

JoJo: I don’t think this album. Well… honestly, I never stop recording so you never know. The album takes on a different shape, like i said, so who’s to say actually. I really don’t know [Laughs]. Who knows what I’ll come up with tomorrow night or whenever. “In The Dark” was a labor of love between me and my musical director and band. I really like doing records like that but I’m not sure a record like that has a home on Jumping Trains.

Jon: Gotcha, gotcha. Will just have to wait and see. Next question. What has been one of your biggest accomplishments so far in your career?

JoJo: That’s a good question. It’s not necessarily in my career but definitely a result of my career. I bought a home at 18 and that’s something I’m really proud of. I’ve been a home owner for three years. I want to be smart with my money and that is something I’m really proud of and its thanks to everything I’ve done in my career so far.

Jon: Yeah, that’s awesome. You should definitely be proud of that.

JoJo: Thank You.

Jon: Alright, so lets take a step away from the fan questions and we’re going to do this thing I like to do with everyone. I’m going to list a few random things and I want you to say the first thing that pops into your head.

JoJo: Oh my god. Okay [Laughs].

Jon: It’s going to be anything from food, artist, etc. Are you ready?

JoJo: Yes!

Jon: Role Model

JoJo: Pressure

Jon: Chocolate

JoJo: Moderation

Jon: Monogamy

JoJo: Tough

Jon: Guilty Pleasure

JoJo: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Jon: [Laughs] YES!… Lingerie

JoJo: I collect it

Jon: Madonna

JoJo: Turth or Dare documentary. That is my shit!

Jon: Jello

JoJo: Bill Cosby

Jon: Romantic Comedies

JoJo: The perfect night in

Jon: Whip Cream

JoJo: Four play

Jon: Britney Spears

JoJo: Icon

Jon: Celebrity Crush

JoJo: Ryan Gosling

Jon: Same! Last but not least. JoJo

JoJo: -pause and silence-

Jon: I don’t know if you’ve heard of her, she’s been around for awhile [Laughs]

JoJo: [Laughs] Yeah, I’ve heard of her, she’s a bitch [Laughs]. No, No. Girl from New England with a lot of little tattoos and a big dream.

Jon: Yes! So perfect. That was it.

JoJo: [Laughs] Thank You!

Jon: No problem. Thank you for taking time for me. I’m excited for the album and I’m happy the singles doing well. I can’t wait for everything to get moving. I’ve been a fan of yours for awhile and I think you’re an amazing person and artist. I wish you the very best.

JoJo: Thank you so much Jon. I really appreciate that. Trust me, I have my moments so to hear you say something like that means a lot. Everyday there is a new thing to face but I’m very thankful for your support. Thank You!

Jon: Of course, you’re very welcome. Take care!

Gallery Link:
» 2012 Interview: The Music Insider with Downtown Julie Brown

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Via PopCrush.com: Fans of JoJo are on the edge of their seats awaiting the singer’s upcoming album ‘Jumping Trains,’ which is slated for release in April. ‘Jumping Trains’ will mark JoJo’s first full-length album since 2007, and the 21-year-old is ready to make a strong comeback with her 2012 album.

PopCrush recently caught up with the Massachusetts native, who is now residing out in the Los Angeles area of California, to discuss the recording process for ‘Jumping Trains,’ the inspiration behind her first single ‘Disaster,’ and her ‘It Can Wait’ campaign with AT&T and Cambio to promote the hazards of texting while driving. JoJo also dishes on her hopes for the New England Patriots to bring home Super Bowl gold in 2012 as well as a “traumatic” and “painful” experience she had.

As a native New Englander, are you excited that the Patriots are in the Super Bowl?
Oh come on! I’m so excited! I grew up in Foxborough so I grew up basically with the stadium as my backyard. You know, I’d always hear concerts and always experience all the traffic coming from the games and stuff. So I’m thrilled! I know that my family will be having a crazy Super Bowl party — I’m excited.

So, are you going to celebrate out in California?
Oh absolutely! There’s this pub down in Santa Monica called Sonny McLean’s, which is like a Boston sports pub. I think I’m gonna try to make my way over there and celebrate like the true Masshole that I am. [Laughs]

So, what was the recording process like for ‘Jumping Trains’?
I’ve never stopped recording, so that’s basically been my process. As often as I can, I’ll be in the studio. ‘Jumping Trains’ has taken on a different shape several times as we record new material and replace songs with newer songs we love more. I just want to basically tell the truth and be transparent with music. The process was really — if I’m feeling something I’ll go into the studio and record it. I got to work with some really great people. It just felt like a big therapy session, a big party — it was just a joy. I love to record and I love to create, and I got to do it with pals.

You’ve been inspired by a lot of different musical genres, from pop and R&B to jazz and blues. Do you think this will reflect on ‘Jumping Trains’?
Absolutely. I like to call what is represented on ‘Jumping Trains’ as infused pop. The end result is a pop album, however it’s infused with all of the things that inspire me and keep me going and fill me. So it’s not just a straight-forward dance record and it’s certainly not a bubblegum pop record — it’s infused with all of the different things that I love.

Do you have any ideas for your next single yet?
No, we’re pretty focused on ‘Disaster’ right now. I mean, of course we have some ideas in mind for what the second single will be — but as ‘Disaster’ continues to climb, that’s just basically our focus for the moment. I try to one track-minded when it comes to a task like that.

So, you co-wrote almost every song on ‘Jumping Trains.’ Can you talk about the writing process for your single ‘Disaster’?
I [wrote the track] with one of my close friends Gino Barletta. It was just something that happened very organically. I mean, I’ve got to give him the credit for kind of initiating the idea and everything, but it was definitely based off of something [he] and I can both relate to: a relationship that turns into something that you never expected. You know, like no one gets into a relationship and is like, “Wow! This is gonna be painful and this is gonna suck.” [Laughs] Sometimes, things don’t always go the way we plan them in our minds. So, that’s what this is about. [Gino and I] were able to bring out something in each other that turned into a song. It was a fun experience.

You’re touring with Big Time Rush in February. Are you excited for that and performing for a new generation of fans?
Yeah! It’s gonna be a great experience. I mean any time I get to tell my stories and perform and connect with people is always a treat. So it’s always something I look forward to! So yeah, it should be interesting. It will be a younger demographic and will probably be a new audience for me in a sense so it should be cool!

You’ve been performing a lot of covers live lately. How do you go about deciding which songs you’re going to cover that night?
There’s really no method to it, there’s really no rhyme or reason. I kind of just talk to my guitarist JinJoo and we just throw out ideas and we try it out — if it sounds decent, then we go with it.

You’re working with AT&T and Cambio for the ‘It Can Wait’ campaign against texting while driving. How did you become involved with that and what does it mean to you?
I think that’s an important issue that’s facing our generation. I feel like a lot of people, myself included, get this false sense of infallibility — feeling like, “OK, although other people might not be able to handle texting and driving, well I can because I’ve got it under control.” It does not discriminate, you know what I’m saying? I wanted to be involved with this because texting and driving and what can happen from it is so across the board. It’s a very serious issue that is very relevant right now and especially for people in my age group. I wanted to somehow bring attention to it however I could … and also kind of poke and remind myself there’s no text that’s worth sending that could put yourself or other people in harms way or even lose a life as a result. It was a reminder for myself and also I wanted to bring attention to it.

What’s something that has happened to you recently that your fans might not know about?
I used to have a micro-dermal piercing on my shamrock tattoo, which is on my right hand. I used to have like this jewel that was implanted right in the middle of my shamrock, and it was very painful to get put in and even more painful to get ripped out. So basically, I was sleeping one night and my hand was underneath my pillow, and it got caught on the pillow and it ripped out. It was like a murder scene! There was blood all over my bed. It was pretty traumatic.

On Thursday (February 2nd), Billboard.com’s TMI will be hosting a live conversation with JoJo. JoJo and host Downtown Julie Brown plan on discussing JoJo’s 2012 plans including her upcoming album, “Jumping Trains”. The new TMI episode will air live at 3pm ET/noon PT. Click HERE to watch the episode live on that date.

Via Cambio.com: We reached our goal of 50,000 pledges to never text while driving as part of AT&T’s It Can Wait campaign. As promised, JoJo will be doing a live chat with her fans on Cambio Live on Tuesday January 31st today at 7PM EST / 4PM PST. Submit questions in advance using #jojoitcanwait.

Via LearnHowtoRock.com: Even rock stars have awkward moments! Check out our exclusive interview with singer JoJo below to find out what she does to get instant confidence when she needs it.

How To Rock: What song do you blast to get pumped up for something big?

JoJo: I like to listen to Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne. That just really gets me pumped up and gets me feeling like I could take over the world. I like to listen to more aggressive and triumphant music before I go on and perform.

HTR: Do you ever get nervous? What do you do?

JoJo: It used to really, really get the best of me, my nerves, but I’ve kind learned to channel it into something that can be helpful. Turn your nervous energy into a positive thing. Let it fuel you and just use it to your advantage. That energy in any form is great but just don’t let it overwhelm you.

HTR: What’s your secret confidence trick?

JoJo: I think you can be confident when you’re prepared. That’s what gives me confidence – knowing that I’m ready for this moment and it’s what I’ve been working towards. I think I would have a confidence issue if I felt like I wasn’t prepared or something like that. I also try to live more in the moment and reaffirm in myself by saying, “Jo. This is what you love to do. Enjoy this moment. Don’t be nervous about it. This is what you love to do.”

HTR: Have you ever had a totally awkward moment?

JoJo: Oh my gosh! Yeah! I’m awkward every day! I’m awkward with boys. I’m awkward on stage. I’m awkward in interviews. But the thing is, I’ll tell my team how awkward I felt in the moment and thankfully they tell me that they didn’t feel that on their end at all.