Latoya London

Independently released on PEAK Records in the USA, this incredible vocalist LaToya London put out her debut album Love & Life.

She says, “Yeah, it’s going really good. We’ve definitely been promoting the album out here in the States, by doing different appearances”

She continues, “A lot of doors have been opened to me. I still have to audition but it’s been a great journey. Its taken me to a point where I can get appointments with these auditions and be heard. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I feel a lot more focused towards it”

And LaToya London is a unique name, she agrees, “Yeah, it’s my birth name (laughs). I don’t know. It means the great one, how about that? (Laughs), I just gave you the meaning! The great one” LaToya London however, wasn’t a full time singer and actress from a young age.

She admits, “Before I was singing locally, and for friends or family, or for different companies. Also doing competitions around town, so I was into performing already and then I had real odd jobs (laughs!) like waitressing. Then I moved into the music scene, I went to a music school, and also found a job there, singing as a wedding singer, with a band and then like a party singer with a band but also having a regular job. But when I auditioned for Idol it changed my life"

LaToya London speaks about life after American Idol. She says, “After Idol was over we went on tour. I got signed to an independent label, which is what got me working on this album” says LaToya London. “It was Peak Records, I definitely want another album, a few acting jobs would be fun, but definitely another album, do it my way! I don’t know, possibly, it just depends on my situation”

“Man hopefully! (Laughs)”, regarding LaToya London performing in London. “In February I’m going to Chicago to start rehearsing for ‘The Color Purple’, the Chicago production of it. Doing that until November, and then going around the world. So we may make it to London, I may make it to London before then, we’ll see, I’d love to come”

She opens up about her latest acting role, “I just auditioned for the role of Netty and after my second audition I got the role. I’ve seen the Broadway play before and it’s a beautiful/musical stage play. I didn’t know how they were going to pull it off, it’s an experience to see, its like. How do you write that into a musical without it looking sleazy? And they did it! Its’ not easy, but you feel the same amount of energy that you do watching the movie”

“It’s a natural voice. First time I was trying to hit notes, was when I was about four, but my Mom did put me in community choirs. I was in my high school Gospel Choir and I took Piano lessons here and there. So, all of it really helped me strengthen my ear, and strengthen my voice. I’m a lot better; I get a lot better because of it”

LaToya London speaks about her views on politics and war, she says, “I’d not make innocent people go to war. Why don’t we send people that do crimes in real life? Make them do there time by doing something good for the country. Lets see, what else would I do? I’d change all cars to run off on solar power and force people to recycle (laughs). Yeah, I think it would be a great place without those things”

“I haven’t promoted it myself, I think the label, and they haven’t been as dedicated to it as they could have been”, expresses LaToya London.

“But, I’ve been auditioning a lot, like acting. I did a couple of plays and a few performances here and there. I never went on like a tour or anything. With that album it didn’t get promoted as much as it could have”

LaToya London says, “I’m really proud of her”.

On Fantasia’s rise to stardom.

“She’s made her own like life story. I’m very proud of her, she’s been through days similar to myself, you know, promise’ that weren’t kept to make her a star and finally she got that, she’s got her wishes”

And lastly, LaToya London says, “I’d have to say Stevie Wonder, just of the talent he is, just a true musician”

Soulisms 2008