Shelia Goss: Do you miss being part of a group like Arrested Development?
Speech: We’ve been back together since 2000. It’s interesting being a solo artists. When I first went solo I did a lot of things over seas. Japan was a big market for my solo career. Although I love going solo, being without my group was something I missed.


Shelia: When you first broke up how hard was it to transition as a soloist?
Speech: It was hard. My fame came from Arrested Development. When I first went solo, I wasn’t comfortable as a singer (especially not on stage). I was used to and comfortable with having a lot of people on stage. I had to get used to people focusing only on me.

Shelia: How would you categorize your sound?
Speech: Very real, but at the same time I like pop melodies. My sound lean more towards the positive. I think it’s very hard to put it in just soul music or just hip-hop. I love melodies no matter what I’m doing.

Shelia: What is your creative songwriting process?
Speech: My process has changed over the years. At first I was more comfortable by myself because I spent a lot of time by myself. My fantasy and creative world came about being by myself. Since I’ve been doing it as a career, I really appreciate what other people have brought to the table. Having the chemistry to test something out. I enjoy people. I enjoy melody & music so much that it automatically sends me into this world. My music is so diverse.

Shelia: What do you want the listener to walk away with after listening to your album?
Speech: I want them to see a whole other side of life. You hear about so much negative things. I hope people get from my record: marriage…love…. commitment…struggle…spirituality…those are some of the things in my life--a black reality that’s not talked about a lot.

Shelia: If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
Speech: Teach. I love kids. I love trying to convey a message to people who may normally find a subject mundane or boring.

Shelia: Do you ever get stage fright when performing live?
Speech: Some. Especially in the very beginning when I was just defining who I am. When I toured America I was used to huge crowds being with Arrested Development but I had to start over with small crowds.

Shelia: What advice would you give other aspiring singers?
Speech: Try to find their voice. . .like Miles Davis or Jimi Hendricks. Out of thousands of artists, most of them put aside their true voice and do what they think can work for the marketplace. Really find what makes you unique

Shelia: What can readers expect from you in the future?
Speech: Arrested Development is in the studios. Check out our website:
Myspace.com/arresteddevelopmentmusic.com. We’re excited about it and it’s our best record yet.

Shelia: What are some of your favorite songs on your new CD?
Speech: My favorite songs are Braided Hair, Shine, and Walking in the Sun.

Shelia: Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with?
Speech: There’s a lot; too many to name. I tend to connect with those that are humble and not so big on themselves and that love the art of music.

Shelia: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
Speech: Thank you to the fans that have been supportive by going out and trying to search and find my music; especially as a solo artist.