GIRL: Your latest single is of course SO DAMN FINE, did you help pen this track?
Joanne: Yes I did, I collaborate on most of my songs.
GIRL: What inspired the lyrics for that song?
Joanne: I am actually quite a shy person, I've always wanted to write a song about someone who is the total opposite to me. I wanted the song to be musically funky and a song that would get people moving on the dance floor. This song is about exploring a different character to myself, I am not outrageous like the character portrayed in the song - it is about a girl who has no shame and that is the total opposite to me.
GIRL: Who chose Bali as the location for your latest clip?
Joanne: It kind of just fell into place. We had about 3 and half weeks to go before we had to shoot the clip and still didn't know where we were going to do it. And then someone suggested it and we were lucky enough to get great support from Garuda Indonesia. The song is a happy song and it suited the Balinese people and surroundings perfectly. The locations were exquisite and the people were just amazing.
GIRL: How much fun was that?
Joanne: Great! We had 6 days there and the Balinese people were always warm and friendy. The weather was perfect and it was a wonderful experience.
GIRL: Did you manage to get a bit of tanning and shopping in during your stay?
Joanne: Unfortunately we didn't get to do any tanning (but I don't tan anyway - never really have) But I did get to do plenty of shopping. The shopping is amazing! It was my first trip to Bali so the shopping was fantastic, I bought heaps!
GIRL: How did Kyle from the Hot30.com get involved with the clip?
Joanne: I wanted him to be in it. It was a bit of a joke to start with but then I wanted him to really be in it. I wanted him to wear speedo's and make a cameo appearance but he chickened out. So as it turns out he is only in the clip for about 3 seconds.
GIRL: While in Bali you also performed live at the Hard Rock Hotel. What was the response to your music over there?
Joanne: The Balinese people gave a great response to my music. It was really rewarding because they had never heard of me before and it was the first time that they were hearing me and my music. They clapped and cheered and the indication was that they really enjoyed my music, so that was realy great.
GIRL: As part of your live performances, you have a number of gorgeous dancers by your side. Are they on the road with you constantly or do you have a number of different dance troupes?
Joanne: Because I have quite a lot of dancers they do tend to alternate - I have around 25-30 dancers that I tend to use. A lot of them I have known for a long time, but I cannot always use them - so I alternate. Depending on the vibe of the song I alternate between girls and guys.
GIRL: How do you unwind after a performance?
Joanne: After my performances I always tend to go straight home. I like to go home and have a shower and unwind there. I am not one to go out afterwards, I know alot of people like to that, but I prefer to go home.
GIRL: Are you happy now with the direction your music career is taking?
Joanne: Definitely. I have a lot of input. I like to vary the style with R & B, pop and disco, these are my favourite styles of music. I am really looking forward to the album.
GIRL: You're currently on the promotional circuit. Do you enjoy this aspect of the job?
Joanne: Yes I really enjoy it. I get tired, but I never get tired of being interviewed because I know it all helps promote my music in the end.
GIRL: The album has been a work in progress for a few years, are you happy with the finished product?
Joanne: If anything I feel anxious. Yes I am happy but now anxious. It has been coming for a while and we have had it completed for some time - so no I just want everyone to hear it and love it!
GIRL: Who did you collaborate with on your album DO NOT DISTURB?
Joanne: With the same team as usual. i have a few producers that I always work with and they are a great team, so I worked with them. We are all really excited about the album.
GIRL: So what's coming up next? Do you plan to release another single or will we see the album out shortly?
Joanne: The album will be released and then we will go from there.
GIRL: Are there plans to release your music overseas in the near future?
Joanne: I'd like too. Hopefully 2002 I will venture overseas, but management has said we will be touring Australia first.
GIRL:How much fun did you have performing with Jules during Fox Fm's 15 Days of Fame competition?
Joanne: It was the funniest thing I have ever done. Jules is a great guy. He's a nutcase, he walked in and said "Turn me on Joanne" it was hilarious.
GIRL: Will you two be recording another duet in the future?
Joanne: No I don't think so, I think we will leave it to just talking.
GIRL: Finally, for all the male readers of GIRL, are you currently in a relationship?