Music lovers you're in for a real treat when you pick up the new CD by India Arie. Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship is in my opinion her best CD to date. It's been in constant rotation in my CD player. It's hard to choose which song is my favorite. I don't think I disliked any of the songs.

Although I hadn't heard the CD prior to my interview with India Arie, I had heard many great things about it--and for once the rumor mill was right--this is a great CD.

Shelia Goss: It’s been awhile since your last album release. What have you been doing?
India Arie: Living Life and working on my album.

Shelia: Did you feel any pressure with this album?
India Arie: Yes, I felt pressure to continue to speak to who I feel my audience is and at the same time still be able to speak my truth. I never sang anything about heartbreak or any sort of dissatisfaction or anger. I’m singing a lot about that on this album. I hope that people appreciate it still. It’s not the idealistic romantic thing that I’m known for, but it’s my truth. I also felt pressure to finish. It was a lot of work and a very hard earned album.

Shelia: Was it hard earned because some of the songs were based on real life experiences?
India Arie: That too. I’m diving in and working on myself. That’s always hard work to confront your fears, but it’s also hard work because I know more as a producer. I know more so I’m being responsible for more and that’s a lot more work.

Shelia: So you were more actively involved on this album than your previous ones?
India Arie: Yes. In my previous ones, I was always emotionally involved. This time I was technically involved and emotionally involved.

Shelia: Okay, that can be kind of draining.
India Arie: Kind of…what…It was some of the hardest work I’ve ever done.

Shelia: How do you stay motivated in between albums?
India Arie: This is what I love to do. If I have something I want to say, I’m going to put it in a song. Because I love to write songs about my life, it’s not hard to do that.

Shelia: If you could go back and change anything about your music career when you first started, what would it be?
India Arie: I think I would have done a few more independent CDs.
Definitely, but you can’t go back.

Shelia: What took you so long to come out with this album?
India Arie: I’ve been busy working on it; working on myself and working on the music.

Shelia: Several singers have ventured off into acting. Do you see yourself going that route?
India Arie: It’s definitely something I’m interested in, but only if I’m interested in that actual project. I want to explore myself in that way.

Shelia: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
India Arie: Thank you for supporting me and I love you.