DJ Ron: How do you feel you have grown as a songwriter, does it come easier now?
Crystal: I'm really happy with the songs I'm writing for the next album. I'm glad that I continue to get inspired and it all flows out. I've been fortunate in that regard.
DJ Ron: Talking about inspirations, what was it like to work with Dennis Rodman?
Crystal: Crazy is the only way to describe that. But it was a total blast.
DJ Ron: Who else would you like to do a duet with?
Crystal: I would love to sing with Ella Fitzgerald.
DJ Ron: Someone wanted me to ask, how did you come up with your name?
Crystal: My parents gave it to me! Haha It's my real name.
DJ Ron: Let's get serious for a second, what direction do you think the dance music industry will go in reference to bootleg remixes, CD burning, filesharing, mp3s etc.?
Crystal: I think mp3s are great if you are unknown and trying to get started. It's a good way to get your music out and about. But for those who are established, it's not good at all. The industry has been hurt by all this, but it looks like all the bootlegging is going to be hard to stop.
DJ Ron: Who is important in the industry nowadays for an artist - DJ's/ record company/ dance clubs?
Crystal: They all fit together as part of the puzzle. They depend equally on each other.
DJ Ron: Speaking of DJs, the last night you went clubbing out in New York, what's a song that you heard that just totally rocked your world?
Crystal: The last night I went clubbing, hmm. But I tell you what I did pick up, I was in London and I picked up one of these Summer Ibiza CD's. There's a song that I just could not stop playing and I'll tell you the name of it, and I don't know how old it is. In the song they're saying "you bring light in", but on the CD it's…
DJ Ron: Underworld?
Crystal: Underworld, Two Months Off.
DJ Ron: Oh that's a great record.
Crystal: That's my favorite song, that's my theme song now. I think I'm going to use this to open my show or something.
DJ Ron: So, do you prefer touring or being in the studio?
Crystal: I like both. In the studio you have anticipation. But when you tour and people like your work is where the reward comes from.
DJ Ron: What kinds of things in a studio do you like to make you sound good?
Crystal: HaHa! A microphone. No I really don't like too much electronic sorcery going on in there if you know what I mean.
DJ Ron: What's the biggest crowd you have ever performed in front of? Where?
Crystal: The Coliseum in Rome, all I know is that it seemed like millions.
DJ Ron: Wow millions? What has been your greatest achievement as an artist?
Crystal: Getting a record deal. Ever try? (laughs)
DJ Ron: Do you find it hard to live up to the success of Gypsy Woman?
Crystal: I don't think about it. I just try to keep writing good songs. You can't keep a good song down. A good song is what it's all about.
DJ Ron: So, how have things changed from your first number one "Gypsy Woman" to
"My Time" in the club music scene?
Crystal: In the club music scene? Well, first thing you know everything got faster, the musicwise. It just seems to go in circles, it kind of goes around. It seems like it went off on a tangent for a minute with the techno and all that stuff, and then they had the European dance music which I didn't really get. And what seems to be coming back around to be a little bit more soulful, if you know what I mean.
DJ Ron: Oh definitely.
Crystal: And I'm liking that a lot because that's where I want to be.
DJ Ron: So it's definitely your time?
Crystal: Yes, it's my time.
Special thanks to Jimmy Smith, Vito Bruno and the Scumfrog for help with arranging this interview.
