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We were lucky enough to chat to R&B icon Cassie Starr about her latest album ‘Prelude Lust’, her upcoming tour and her possible future on the big screen. I entered the deeply lit studio; it looked very clean – everything was folded and the flowers looked fresh. Two red velvet sofas faced eachother, a small glass coffee table inbetween them. There are a few pieces of paper and two glasses of water sat neatly on the table top, plus a large flat-screen TV up on the cream wall. The audience wait patiently, as do I, and must I add, the silence in the air is quite symbolic for the excitement and anticipation that lingers for Cassie’s arrival.

Suddenly, we hear foot-steps. We perk up. Cassie strides in confidently without encouragement, her long wavy brunette hair bouncing past her shoulders as her heels trot towards me. She is grinning brightly, her teeth gleaming. The atmosphere within the audience is ecstatic. Everybody stands and there are cheers, shouts, screams and a tremendous amount of clapping being done and it echoes throughout the room. I greet Cassie as she sits down and I am suddenly struck by the ‘breath-taking beauty’she is claimed to hold that everybody has been talking about. She is wearing a long, red Maxi-dress that hangs elegantly off her body, with small glistening jewels lined at the top. Oh my, she looks so classy. It’s refreshing to meet a star that doesn’t look worn-down from partying all night every night. No, not Cassie. Cassie looks bright and young; Full of real potential. Her eyes sparkle as she scoops her dark hair off her shoulders and blissfully scans the audience, quite obviously taking in the heavenly atmosphere. She almost looks lost in the fame. Then she looks back at me.

Interviewer: So Cassie, I bet it’s been a crazy year for you, right?

Cassie: Yeah, it really has! [laughs]

Interviewer: I mean, can you begin to explain what you’ve been experiencing in your new life?

Cassie: Every morning I wake up and still get the urge to pinch myself because my life just seems so surreal.. I’m so thankful for my incredible supportive fans helping me to get this far, I really am. I love them all so much!

Interviewer: And judging by the success of ‘Prelude Lust’, I think it’s fair to say they love you too! I mean, look at the atmosphere of this place today. It really is something, isn’t it.

Cassie: I know, I can’t believe it! I’ve had so much fun creating the album and trying to create a new sound, but I’m always apprehensive as to whether the fans will like it or not. It’s all about pleasing them; - that’s all I wanna’ do!

Interviewer: Well you only have to listen to your album to know you have nothing to worry about!

Cassie: [laughs] Thankyou. I still can’t believe it though! When my management rung me to tell me the reaction, I literally couldn’t believe it but it’s just great to know I’ve gained some new fans since releasing the album. This is just the beginning.

Interview: I bet it is! So, I was going to start by asking, what would you say is the message of ‘Prelude Lust’?

Cassie: Well, I sort of linked the two words together because there’s a story behind it. I’m really happy in my current relationship and I really feel as if the small relationship I was in months beforehand really led to this one right now. I mean I don’t like to go into detail of my personal life too much but basically I like to call that previous relationship a ‘prelude lust’ because it was just lust and the ‘prelude’ for my relationship right now. So I’m thankful for it. [laughs]

Interviewer: That’s interesting! It’s always nice to know there’s a reason behind an album title, it gives it more of a personal meaning doesn’t it.. So, how are you handling life at the moment with all your success? I bet it’s hectic!

Cassie: I’ve just been taking everything in my stride and remaining humble about it all but honestly you have no idea how much I appreciate all the support from my fans because, without them, I literally would not be here doing what I love to do. It’s hectic but it’s so, so brilliant.

Interviewer: And they must love what you do! The reaction we’ve had from the audience is just incredible. I mean, the positive reactions are the main thing but I bet with all this success you get a few negative reactions too. I saw something in the newspaper about Brandy criticizing your music recently, is this true?

Cassie: Yeah, that is true. I hadn’t heard about this either until I saw it on the newspaper, too. She had written a Tweet about me on ‘Twitter’ basically saying that I was ‘just another unoriginal copy of other R&B artists’ and that I ‘wouldn’t make it very far’.

Interviewer: Woah, I mean I bet that was surprising really wasn’t it. What was your reaction?

Cassie: I mean yeah, it was surprising. But I suppose it would be more hurtful if I’d met her before and we were friends.. but I don’t really know her. When I found out I was quite hurt really; - It’s not nice hearing somebody higher in the music industry than you talk about you badly. It’s a shame aswell ‘cause I really like her music but I guess you can never be everybody’s cup of tea.

Interviewer: Yeah, I think in this industry you have to just take in criticisms as they come whether it’s because they’re jealous or not. It’s bound to happen! But any how you’re still going to be touring so it’s no skin off your shoulder, right?

Cassie: Definitely, I’m so looking forward to touring. It’s gonna’ be amazing!

Interviewer: I bet it will! I’m sure you couldn’t of wished for a better reaction from your fans too.. I mean, your entire tour sold out in just 8 minutes; - that’s crazy!

Cassie: My fans are just incredible and they really never fail to surprise me.. My music is made for them and I love touring because I get the chance to actually meet the people who helped me get to where I am. I’ve never been happier!

Interviewer: So what can your fans expect from the tour?

Csssie: They can expect something… different! I have a crazy, fun set lined up and I really can’t wait to just get on stage! I want this tour to stand out and show my fans that I’m really doing this for them. The atmosphere of it will just be incredible and it never gets old.

Interviewer: That sounds absolutely brilliant, Cassie. What are you looking forward to most then?

Cassie: Well it’s safe to say that the early mornings can do one! [laughs] But once rehearsals are out of the way, I’m really looking forward to waiting backstage listening to the crowd cheering for me. I get so excited and full of energy when I experience the reaction of the fans when I start performing. It’s just so meaningful and priceless; - I always feel so sad when the tours are over! It’s like a fairytale dream or something.

Interviewer: Well not to worry this time because I’m pretty positive you’ll be experiencing that many times! A little birdie told me that there may be a future for you on the big screen. Is this something you’re considering?

Cassie: Well all I’m going to say is, never say never; - to anything. I’d be a fool to turn down an opportunity like that so yeah, it’s definitely something I’d consider. I’d love that. Nothing too cheesy or over-dramatic though. [laughs]

Interview: Well it’s for definite that I will look forward to that and so will the rest of the world! Lastly I’d like to ask, what is a word of advice or something inspiring that you could give to the audience and your fans right now?

Cassie: Always believe in yourself, and put in the hard work to get to where you want. If you do those two things, you will be on your way and nothing can stop you.

Interviewer: Such lovely words! It’s been a pleasure talking to you, Cassie. And we at The Game wish you the best of luck with the tour and your future!

Cassie: Aww, thank you for having me!

‘Prelude Lust’ is in stores now.