I got to chat with Jessica Greene a coupla weeks ago and had a SUPER fun convo.

Jessica entered the industry taking no prisoners (in a holy way, of course), receiving Stellar Award nominations for both Female Vocalist Of The Year AND Best New Artist Of The Year, the latter which she won in January.

In this interview, she talks about her ministry, what her Stellars experience was like, and what’s next for her… she also shares some random “getting to know you” tidbits, which I always enjoy!

People, here’s Jessica Greene…

*     *     *

EJ:  Thanks for taking a quick minute to chat with me!

JG:  Absolutely!

EJ:  First, I wanna congratulate you on your recent Stellar Award win– Best New Artist.  That’s incredible!

JG:  Thank you so much.

EJ:  How did that feel?

JG:  Oh, man.  I can’t even really describe it.  It was like a dream.  The whole weekend was very exciting and that was the cherry on top.

EJ:  Yeah.  Were you kinda expecting it at all?

JG:  No, in fact, the expected winner was The Murrills, I think.

EJ:  I actually assumed you were going to win, to be honest.

JG:  Really?!

EJ:  Well, yeah… there was a lot of buzz circulating about you, I think.  Even as we were watching the nominee announcements, you had 2 nods– one for New Artist and one for Female Vocalist Of The Year– and that kinda turned a lot of heads to say “wait, WHO are we talkin’ about here?”  So, I thought you might kinda be a shoe-in for the Best New Artist deal.

JG:  Wow.  I really wasn’t expecting it.  I think I took it as if, either way, it would be good.  That whole weekend, I was in the company with the likes of Beverly Crawford, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Shirley Caesar… and when you think about that, these are people we grew up listening to.  So, it was just so overwhelming and so fun.  It was like, “wow, if I don’t win, I still cannot re-live an experience like this EVER.”

EJ:  That’s true.  We got a chance to see you perform on the Stellars this year, too, as part of the medley with the other nominees for Best New Artist.  How was that performance experience?  You were performing on TV, but also in front of the industry’s greatest… what was it like?

JG:  Well, it was the first time that they did it.  And when we got the call, it was like “wow, are you serious?”  Leading up to the night, it was a whole experience of “wow”… it was just one door opening after another, so when we actually got there for the rehearsals, it all started coming together and I thought “this is gonna be something else.”

It was funny because the stage director said “I don’t know if I really like it because it kinda leaves people, with your song, wanting more.”  And I said “I think that may be the point!”

EJ:  *laughing*

JG: *laughing*  So, to actually be there and see all the people… to see that this is what I’ve watched all my life and to be there in that moment– it was breathtaking.

EJ:  I can imagine!  You know, a lot of gospel consumers might think of you as an overnight success– your name kinda popped up and then you were immediately everywhere.  But you’ve been doing this for YEARS, right?

JG:  Well, I’m 25.  I was born and raised in church, so I’ve been singing since a very young age.  But it wasn’t until after I graduated from Morgan State that I really started to pursue my ministry vocally.  And so, God just started to open a lot of doors.  When I signed to Habakkuk Music, which is the first label to sign with Universal Christian Music Group, things just took off from there.

It was kind of difficult, I have to say, because I had no connection with a “name” in the industry.  I really had to start from the ground up, which wasn’t an issue for me because I never sought a Stellar, so to speak– it really is about ministry for me.  Like David, he never sought to be king, he sought the heart of God.  Becoming king was a result.

EJ:  Right.  That’s good that you bring that up, too, because I was gonna ask you about it.  You’re a new artist who has gotten a great degree of respect without having someone else’s name attached.  And that’s not to say that artists who DO that are in any way lacking, or wrong for doing it.  A lot of times in the industry, you kinda connect with someone and they endorse you, but you didn’t have that kind of endorsement from anyone.

JG:  No, not at all.

EJ:  But you were still well-received?

JG:  Yeah.  In the beginning, I must admit, it was like “well, who are you and why do you want to come to my church?  What is this about and who have you worked with?”  And the people I had worked with, nobody knew.

My record was produced by Fontez Camp Productions.  And it’s a production company in Baltimore that doesn’t have national recognition, particularly in gospel.  So, it was difficult to get in the door, but God made ways.  And I know He’s so strategic in how he sets up things because, at the end of the day, no one will be able to get the glory but Him.  So, I can’t get up and say that I wanna thank some named artist for helping me along the way, or mentoring me along the way, because the mentorship and helping came from God.

EJ:  Absolutely.  That’s awesome stuff!  I mentioned you on GospelPundit.com a few months ago when I recapped the ASCAP Stellarbration event.  I was just so impressed with your ability to command the attention of that room.  Folks were mingling and snacking, some weren’t paying attention to the music, but you got up and made that whole room turn their heads.

Where did that ability come from?  Because you seem to have commanded it in a way that seasoned artists do, not necessarily “new artists.”

JG:  I think it comes from experience.  When we started the album, it was a lot to deal with because as a new artist, seeing so many veterans who “got it,” you look at yourself and what you lack.  But what I appreciate most about working with my manager, Kevin Branch, is that we would go to venues and churches… I’ve come a long way.  I would just sing and sit down.  Literally!

EJ:  *laughs*

JG:  And I realized that it was not because that was expected of me, but it was because I doubted who it was that God called me to be and I doubted my ability.  I really had to grow to a point where I saw myself as God sees me.

And once you can really understand who you are– the purpose that you have– and understand that you are not your own… it’s almost like there’s a release that takes place that is almost contagious in a room.  And it draws the attention, not to yourself as a performer, but there’s that SOMETHING– it’s the anointing of God– something pulling people’s attention to not only the words you’re saying, but to how you’re saying it.

I had to grow to that point, and I’m still growing in so many areas, to reach that pinnacle in which God can truly and fully use me in any kind of atmosphere, not just the church venues.

EJ:  Well, you’d better PREACH!

JG:  *laughing*

EJ:  Lemme get my sermon notes together.

JG:  The sermon notes! *laughing*

EJ:  *laughs* But I think that’s a good word.  A lot of aspiring artists need to hear that because it’s so easy to think that, coming into the industry, you have to pay your respects in such a way that you end up losing yourself.

JG:  Right.

EJ:  But there’s a confidence– a humble confidence– that even new and developing artists need to have.  And it’s based not on their status or experience in the industry, but who they’ve been called to be by God.

JG:  Absolutely!

EJ:  That’s awesome.  I’ve also gotta say that I’ve peeped your fashion style…

JG:  *laughing*

EJ:  You’re kinda holdin’ your own in a sea of established female gospel vocalists that are always dressed to the nines.  Who’s styling you, ma’am???

JG:  Currently, who’s styling me is Shania “Kina” Hundley.  She’s based here in Baltimore, she’s up and coming as well… church-based.  But you know, we all sat down and said “there’s a certain regal look that I must maintain” because, number one, I’m gospel.  Number two, I wanna feel comfortable in what it is I’m ministering in.

And I really love dresses.  First of all, they’re easy!

EJ:  *laughing*  Right.

JG:  It’s just one piece with accessories.  I do pieces every now and again, but I really enjoy dresses.  So, we’ve been able to take that idea and really modernize it and make it, in a sense, an eclectic yet respectful look that the youth can embrace and the older [people] can respect.

EJ:  Very cool.  I think it’s clear to people that a lot has gone into your artistry– it’s not just the vocals or the album… it’s the presentation and the image.  It’s how you’re branding yourself on stage and all of that.  I think you do a good job with that.

JG:  Well, thank you!

EJ:  No doubt.  Now, I’m sure you’re still more than able to ride on the success of this album, but are you already back in the studio?

JG:  Umm, I’m actually scheduling to go back into the studio at the end of this month.  [Editor's Note:  This interview occurred at the end of April, so she should be in-studio right...about... NOW!]

We’re continuing to ride on the New Artist Of The Year platform for as long as we can, and we’re currently working on a crusade for the third or fourth quarter of this year.

EJ:  Nice.

JG:  I can’t really say too much about it yet, but we are working on these artists to really put it together and it’s really a crusade dealing with HOPE.  The hope of the people– not just the church, but outside of the church as well, which I think is very vital in this season.  So, we’re working on a few things and we’re gonna move forward with the sophomore album.

EJ:  Very cool.  I’m looking forward to hearing more about it.  You have time for a quick “getting to know you” game?

JG:  Absolutely.

EJ:  Ok, so you have to fill in the blanks.

JG:  Oh, goodness.  Can I plead the fifth on any part of this? *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing*  You can try, but it’ll only prolong the interview.

JG:  *laughs* Oh my gosh!

EJ:  Nah, I’m jokin’.  You can if you want to, it’s not that deep.  Okay, folks would be surprised to know that Jessica Greene loves ____________.

JG:  Oh gosh…umm… *pauses* there’s nothing really outrageous.

EJ:  It’s ok, we can come back to it if you want.

JG:  Ok.

EJ:  Okay.  Since I’ve been in the gospel industry, I’ve been disappointed to learn that ___________.

JG:  Ooooooh!  That… WOW.  I could get in trouble with this one!

EJ:  *laughing*  You don’t have to name names.

JG:  Wow.  Ok, well… I’ve been disappointed to learn that it’s still so limited in its reach.

EJ:  Interesting.  What do you mean by that?

JG:  We still are more comfortable singing on the inside of church as opposed to reaching the masses.  There are 6.6 billion people on this Earth, yet we have become so territorial in church.

EJ:  YES.

JG:  I really applaud Marvin Sapp and James Fortune, most recently, for being able to create songs that are universal.  At the end of the day, it IS God breathing on these songs and allowing them to crossover, but they are able to do it without compromising who they are, and I appreciate that.  At the end of the day, I believe that gospel as a whole has become limited and too comfortable singing to ourselves and each other.

EJ:  Maaaan… that’s a good word!  Gimme one hour in the mall and I’ll spend most of it at ___________.

JG:  Oooh.  Can I just say “shoe store”?

EJ:  *laughing*  Yes– let it be known–any and every shoe store.

JG:  That’s it!

EJ: *laughs*  Cool.  If I weren’t singing gospel music, I’d probably be _____________.

JG:  I’d probably be an attorney.

EJ:  Yeah?  I’m an attorney.

JG:  Wow!  Good deal!

EJ:  Mm-hmm.  Okay, we need to go back to this one.  Folks would be surprised to know that Jessica Greene loves ________________.

JG:  Hmmm… I love… THE DOLLAR STORE!

EJ:  Nuh-uh! *laughing*

JG:  LOVE it.  *laughing*

EJ:  Why?

JG:  Because there is a sense of “I’m getting SO much more for my dollar at the dollar store!” *laughing*

EJ:  *laughing*  I hear you.  I am amazed by the quality of items at the dollar store, for just a dollar!  I’m not mad at the dollar store.

JG:  *laughing* No, not at all!

EJ:  Well, Jessica, that’s it for me.  I thank you SO much for chatting with me.

JG:  Not a problem, it was my pleasure.

EJ:  Thanks.  I’m followin’ you on Twitter, so I’ll see you there.

JG:  Yeah, I’m on there!

EJ:  Cool.  And, don’t be a stranger.

JG:  Alright, talk to you soon.

EJ:  Take care.  Bye-bye.

*     *     *

So that was my chat with Jessica Greene!  She’s super cool and rather hilarious.  We went IN about that dollar store business, for real.  I had to cut some of it out cuz y’all probably would’ve been like “ok…”

Make sure you follow her on Twitter and visit her MySpace page to connect.

What did you think of what she had to say???

I got a chance to chat with Camille Betton from BET’s Sunday Best yesterday.  She was one of the Top 20 Finalists and, though she didn’t make it to the Top 10 this past week, she’s got lots to say and I think the industry will be seeing more of her!

In this interview, we get a behind-the-scenes perspective of Sunday Best , as well as chat about her music ministry and where you can find out more about her.

Folks, here’s Camille Betton.

 *     *     *

EJ:  Hi Camille!  How’s it goin’?

CB:  It’s going okay, how about for you?

EJ:  I’m good!  I wanna start by talking about BET’s Sunday Best.  You were one of the Top 20 finalists, which is an incredible accomplishment.  So, congrats on that first!

CB:  Thank you!

EJ:  You’re welcome.  We saw, this past Sunday, that you unfortunately didn’t move forward in the competition to a Top 10 slot.  Still, the folks who watched now know your name and you’ve gained a bunch of followers in a very short time.

CB:  Absolutely.

EJ:  What was your Sunday Best experience like?

CB:  EJ, it was awesome.  To connect with, number one, Donald Lawrence, who’s just a phenomenal writer and producer, to have face-to-face, hands-on mentoring from him, that was invaluable.

The people that I met– the other contestants– just the relationships that I’m sure I’ll have from here on out.  And just to be a part of the show, to have that level of exposure, to get the opportunity to promote myself AND JESUS. *laughs*

EJ:  *laughs*  Absolutely.  You mentioned the relationships with the other contestants and, you know, we always see folks on talent competitions, like American Idol, becoming super close friends with the other contestants — what are the relationships like among the contestants of Sunday Best?

CB:  Honestly, when you hear people saying that it didn’t feel like a competition, I’ll say that, early on, it really didn’t.  It did not feel like that.  Now, practically, it is a competition, so you had to still be aware of that.  But even now, talking to people and texting them… it’s just been cool.  Jessica Reedy just hit me up a few minutes ago, so it’s just been cool.  It’s like an extension of your family.

EJ:  Yeah.  And that makes sense cuz, at the end of the day, it’s a Christian competition, so it SHOULD NOT be as cut-throat as some of the other competitions.

CB:  Absolutely.

EJ:  What’s a typical week like for the contestants?

CB:  It was rehearsing and getting wardrobe done, and making sure that your outfits fit what you were singing, and I just enjoy that aspect of it.  There’s nothing wrong with gettin’ pampered, to have someone serve you to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

EJ:  *laughing*

CB:  Oh, I love that.  Somebody saying “oh, lemme just brush your hair” or “oh, here are these blot sheets for you.”  I love that whole aspect.  That was the bomb.

But, also, being flexible was a big thing, EJ.  If there was something that was scheduled and, for whatever reason, things had to be changed around, you had to be flexible for that, and that was a big part of the week.  Or, rehearsing with Ray Chew and the group, and the background singers… Or having a roundtable at the end of the day to recap what happened… that was a typical week there.

EJ:  Nice!  What was the hardest part of being on the show for you?

CB:  The hardest part was coming down those STAIRS!

EJ: *laughing*

CB: *laughs*

EJ:  Y’know, that’s funny cuz when Kierra Sheard sang with Mary Mary on the first show, she kinda paused at the stairs and looked really focused… like “lemme make sure I can get down these stairs, THEN I’ma give it to ya.”

CB:  Right.  I think that was a smart approach for her to take because you’re trying to hear your intro, you’re trying to come down with some decorum and calmness, but you have to maneuver those stairs, so I think that was one of the toughest things.

EJ: *laughing*  Fair enough.  Ummm… who was your favorite of the three judges?

CB:  You know, Erica [Campbell] is so well-rounded and I think she seeks to be the “Paula Abdul” of the group, if you will.  So, I think I could respect what she had to say.  She said what she needed to say.  If it was hard sometimes, she would say it, but I think she– not that the others didn’t– but I think she exhibited more compassion out of the group.

EJ:  Yeah, and I think that comes across on TV, too.  Fill in the blank for me: “The viewing audience would be surprised to learn that, behind the scenes, _____________.”

CB:  That we really were REALLY COOL.  Behind-the-scenes, we really… just got along, we were helping each other with songs and giving each other advice, helping with arrangements.  They would be surprised to learn that.

EJ:  Do you think it’s hard to be on a CHRISTIAN talent competition?  I mean, are there sticky points in terms of being edifying while still being honest?  You mentioned Erica Campbell and her being compassionate and still say what’s tough– is that harder in a Christian competition?

CB:  From the judges’ perspective, I think it is tough because they still have a job to do– that’s the practical application.  But because they know that it is a gospel competition– I don’t think they’re sugarcoating it– but I think that they do have to walk a tightrope, trying to do that job and still have to maintain their calling as a Christian artist as well.

From a contestant’s perspective, I think competitions (the nature of them) are tough.  So, you are going out to compete, but it’s tough when you hear “here’s five other people that are, so to speak, BETTER than you.”

EJ:  Yeah.

CB:  So, in that regard, it is tough.  Regardlesss of whether it’s Christian or secular, any competition, as far as singing is concerned, is tough.  This is not my first one, but… I’m hoping it will be my last one. *laughs*

EJ: *laughing*  I hear that!  I do.  Lemme ask you one more question about the show– of the 10 finalists that did NOT move forward, who do you feel like the viewing audience didn’t really get a chance to experience, but REALLY needs to?

CB:  And I can include myself in that? *laughing*

EJ:  You’d BETTER include yourself in that list!  *laughs*

CB: *laughs* And you’d better KNOW it!

EJ: *laughing*

CB:  Honestly, I think any person would say that about themselves, but I honestly feel like I didn’t have that opportunity to give that full view– the well-roundedness of me, so I would have to say myself.

I love the hymns, EJ– I grew up singing them– but I did not select that particular one [on the show].  So, it was just hard to have that song and still try to give it… and then put a little spin on it.  My fault was that I didn’t want to do TOO much to it because I didn’t want BeBe to eat me up.

EJ: *laughs* Right!

CB: *laughing*  Like he did with the guy on the auditions, with “Amazing Grace.”  And I thought “I don’t want to lose the authenticity of the song,” but yet I thought “I’ll put a little twist on it at the end.”  So, I think that if I had another opportunity, I’d hopefully have another song that would give a different view of my vocal ability.

EJ:  Yeah, it’s unfortunate that, with a lot of these shows– and, I said this to Jonathan Johnson too when he emailed me– the reality is that the editing makes it so that we focus more on some people’s stories and testimonies more than others, so the audience got the chance to connect with some, but there are others that we don’t know that much about.

And I think you’re probably a good illustration of that because I don’t feel like the audience got to see enough of you, based on what I’ve heard SINCE you’ve been on the show.

CB:  Oh, I appreciate that.

EJ:  No doubt.  And that’s actually a good segue into us talkin’ about YOUR music.  I’ve heard some of your stuff and it’s REALLY GOOD!  You’re both a singer and a songwriter, right?

CB:  Yessir.

EJ:  Talk to me about your music ministry.  What have you been called to do through music?

CB:  I’ve been called to just impact people and make them want to be closer to God, whether that be an initial relationship or just broadening of the current one.  But, that’s what I’ve been called to do– just impact people for a greater relationship with God.

EJ:  That’s great.  How did you start, what have you been doing before Sunday Best?  I mean, people need to realize that MOST of these finalists have been working at it and grinding on “music ministry” for years and years and years– they didn’t just stumble into the auditions.

CB:  Absolutely!  Absolutely.  I was probably about 14 when I started singing with my sister’s group, Melodies of Praise, and we were doing a lot of touring with our local church organization in Ohio.  So, I got my feet wet with seeing what it was like to be called, requested and to work and receive payment for that.

Then, that group ended and I started doing things on my own.  I released my own single in ’96 and, from then, have just really been writing and grinding.  I’ve sung backup for Jonathan Dunn, who’s done some writing for Marvin Sapp.  So, I learned a lot with him, then released my own CD in ’07 and, from that, have had the opportunity to just hit different spots and just really start to build a following and a fan base.  And then came Sunday Best to kinda expand that and help blow it up a bit more.

EJ:  That’s a lot of work.  Great stuff.  You know, I was listening to one of your tracks, “Prayze Is Awaiting You” and the passion and tone of your voice reminds me sooo much of Maurette Brown-Clark.  Have you ever heard that comparison?

CB:  A few people have mentioned that.

EJ:  Such an authentic and passionate sound, I figured maybe she was one of your influences.  But who are some of your musical influences?

CB:  Don’t tell nobody, but DONNIE HATHAWAY!  *laughs*  In the home I was raised in, we were not permitted to listen to it, we snuck and did it.  But Donnie Hathaway, to me, is the quintessential essence of music in an artist… I love Oleta Adams because of the control that she exhibits, I love Brandy, I love India.Arie and, of course, at the top of that list has to be Marvin L. Winans.

EJ:  Oh, you’re SAYIN’ something now!

CB:  Yeah, these are the people who are doing so much, but they do so little to get it done.

EJ:  Mmm-hmmm.  It’s a “less is more” approach.

CB:  Yeah.  And there’s nothing wrong with running, I’ve done it on occasion, but I love a person who stands flat-footed and just delivers, just stands up on a lyric, bends a note, and just hits the point home.  That, to me, makes the greatest impact.

EJ:  I agree.  So, how can people find out more about you and your music?

CB:  Aww, man.  I prolly got about 11 websites. *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing*

CB:  You can find me on CDBaby.com (click here), but I’ve also got my own website, which is www.camillebetton.com.

EJ:  That’s Camille with ONE ‘m’, people! *laughs*

CB:  *laughing* It’s just ONE ‘M’!

EJ: *laughing* [Editor's Note: BET has perpetually spelled her name wrong  (as "Cammille") and, in turn, so has everyone else.  Camille KINDLY informed me via email a while ago that her name is spelled with just one 'm'.]

CB:  I also have a MySpace page, which is www.myspace.com/camillewillsing.  And if they Google “Camille Betton,” aside from some French entries, stuff will just… I thank God that He’s enlarged my territory.  So, PLEASE order the CD.  Please!  Like you were saying, I think it reflects my true artistry.

EJ:  Absolutely.  Well, that’s great!  What’s next for you?  Anything come out of the show in a… tangible way or are we still in a holding period?

CB: *laughing* “In a TANGIBLE way.”

EJ:  *laughing* I’m just sayin’.

CB:  This has been my prayer, EJ.  And it’s not a deep prayer.  It was tough when people didn’t know the outcome and I already knew, but it hadn’t aired yet.  People were saying such great things, like “oh, Camille, I know you’re gonna go all the way.”

And so, like I would tell people, I’m praying that, as a result of this opportunity, unusual doors are gonna open– not only to advance God’s Kingdom, but ultimately my destiny.  I’ve had the opportunity to network with Donald Lawrence and I look for other opportunities to work with him.

EJ:  That’s awesome.

CB:  And then, just some of the singers– maybe doing some writing for them and getting my own material out the door.  I know I just have to stay on the grind and I KNOW God’s going to open up unusual opportunities, whether it be through major distribution or, once I’ve completed another CD, a label will be willing to pick me up.

It’s not gonna come like it’s gonna come for others, but I know God’s going to open up doors for me.

EJ:  Well, I’ll be praying that as well.  And I know you have a bunch of folks who really enjoyed you.  Part of the bloggin’ thing is that I’m constantly having to keep my ear to the ground.  So, going to other sites and seeing what people are saying, you are one that people kept saying “you all did not hear Camille like you needed to hear her.”  But now, I hear what we didn’t hear.  I really do wish the best for you.

CB:  Wonderful.  Thank you so much!

EJ:  Well, thanks for taking a minute to chat with me.  And definitely keep in touch.

CB:  Absolutely.  And I will stay in touch cuz I’ll be on that blog!

EJ: *laughing* Very good!  Take care.

CB:  Alright.  Bye.

*     *     *

So, that’s THAT!  Make sure you check out her links above and listen to hear music.  I think y’all are really gonna like what she’s offering.

Thoughts???  Holla at me.