Born To Sing
Hello Dionne, welcome to the DMC world. ‘U Got Me Babe/Turn Up The Heat’ coming out in February on Krackle Music UK. But we’ll come to those two gems later. You started singing very early, a certain school corridor saw your first shows (!) – who was behind you starting this amazing musical journey? Mum, Dad…?
“My whole family supported me in the early days and have always been behind me. They love the new stuff too!”
We all know you obviously from the TV show ‘The X-Factor’ – people have described you as having a smokey, Jazzy, Soul-drenched, House voice inside you – what artists inspired you growing up that had you singing with a hairbrush into your mirror?
“Whitney Houston had a huge impact on me as I was growing up. Then I discovered Chaka Kahn (!) and that led me to more jazzy/gospel vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Mahalia Jackson. I like the way contemporary vocalists like Jill Scott maintain that jazz/soul tradition but in a modern context.”
You come from a big family – two older sisters and four older brothers – were they into music too?
“Funnily enough, I don’t come from a musical family background, I am the only one who adopted the singing gene!”
So The X-Factor- must have taken so much courage and drive to go through all that and reach the final live 12 – so everyone will want to know…
1. Did you fancy Simon Cowell – what is he like?
“What you see is what you get…”
2. What was your one single moment of the X-Factor experience?
“When Sharon Osbourne revealed to me that I had made it into the final 12”
3. Have you made any friends from the show?
“No long term buddies…”
4. What is your personal opinion on shows such as X-Factor, after competiting in one. A cruel way for the industry people to make even more money, or a chance for people like you to hit the big time?
“I think that reality shows like X Factor are a good opportunity for people that may be finding it difficult to get into the industry to get their foot through the door. A lot of people who haven’t won have gone on to have singing careers”
‘U Got Me Babe/Turn Up The Heat’ – your first release from your forthcoming debut album – what can we expect from the album?
“Funky beats and lush jazzy soulful vocals of course! We’re about halfway through it and have some slower stuff, some rugged stuff and a killer cover version of an old 70s classic…”
You have to invite 5 divas to your own Birthday dinner party – dead or alive, who’s coming?
“Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Pink and Celine Dion. And I ain’t cooking!”
Your music has seen you check into various different genres, but what is your personal favourite sound, what type of music is hitting your i-Pod when you get home and want to relax?
“I like to relax to jazz when I’m at home relaxing in the bath. One of my favourite singers to chill out to is Rachelle Ferelle
What are the plans for 2010 for this brand new House label Krackle Music you’re signed to that’s headed up by Trenton King…?
“My album is the priority! Trenton has some solo instrumental stuff coming too though”
What is your favourite ever single?
“‘One Moment In Time’ by Whitney Houston”
Do you get stopped for autographs in the street?
“All the time honey (ha!)”
What is the biggest joy in your life…?
“Singing of course!”
Dionne Mitchell ‘U Got Me Babe’ / ‘Turn Up The Heat’ will be released on February 22nd 2010 on Krackle Music.
