Chante Moore returns to the world of contemporary R&B with a new album and more determination to inspire. She speaks with Terrell on her new project, faith and much more.

Terrell: Hey Chante! How are you?

Chante Moore: Hi Terrell. I’m great, how are you?

Terrell: I can’t complain.

Chante Moore: I hear that.

Terrell: Now, we know it’s been about seven or eight years since your last solo album “Exposed” was released, so talk to me about some of the changes you’ve been through not only as an artist, but as a woman, since your last album.

Chante: Ok, well the main thing of course, I’m now married and that teaches you a lot about life and about yourself. It’s about knowing you have things to take care of for your significant other and vice versa. You know when you’re married, it’s more than just a vow, it’s to love and to give unselfishly. So that’s been the main highlight of my life since the last album was released.

Terrell: Now, I have to say that this is a VERY nice album.

Chante Moore: Thank you! Thank you very much.

Terrell: I noticed it has a mixture of R&B and you give us a few Jazz selections on this project as well, so talk to me about some of the places you drew influence from while recording this project.

Chante Moore: Well, George Duke worked on my first album with me and we all know he’s a pretty awesome musician. He was actually one of my first choices to work with on this album because I did definitely want to do some straight-on jazz music. So, because I know that he’s one of the best musicians out there, I knew that we would have some great chemistry and make some wonderful creations. There’s songs that I already loved like “Guess Who I Saw Today” and “This Could Be The Start of Something Big”. Those are songs that I really always wanted to record, so I was able to get those recorded on this record, which I was really excited about. So I’ve enjoyed the whole process of creating music.

Terrell: Ok, now this new album “Love The Woman”, what do you feel separates this project apart from some of your previous albums?

Chante Moore: Well, I think it’s kind of the same answer. (laughs)

Terrell: (Laughs)…Ok.

Chante Moore: I mean, I know with each album they want it to be a different answer for every single album and say “This is different because….”, but I think it’s different just because every time you record, every time there’s a change or movement in time, I believe we just grow as people. Plus, I’m not the same person I was three years ago, let alone eight years ago. (laughs) So, I think this project really reflects where I am in my life and who I am as a person and as a woman.

Terrell: Alright. I have to tell you that I saw you live for the first time last year for the tour you and your husband (Kenny Lattimore) did with Fred Hammond…

Chante Moore: Really??!! Wow, that’s great.

Terrell: The fans have been raving about your live show for years now, so I was just curious to if you think you’d be putting out a live DVD of your show at some point?

Chante Moore: I would LOVE to do that. It’s really about getting it done the right way and getting it done…..well. (laughs)

Terrell: Right…

Chante Moore: I mean, you can record stuff, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like you want it to and it doesn’t come across the way you’d like it to. So, yes, I would love to do that because for me, there’s a certain freedom that I get LIVE, that I don’t have when I’m in the studio. There’s something about the people and the moment. I like living in that moment and it’s something about singing in a microphone that just opens me up in another kind of way. So, yes, I would love to do that. I wanna do that. But, honestly Terrell, I don’t know how long or when it’s going to happen! (laughs)

Terrell: (laughs)

Chante Moore: But I’m going to work on it just because you said so!

Terrell: Thank you! I appreciate it. (laughs)

Chante Moore: You’re welcome!

Terrell: You’ve been singing in this industry professionally for about sixteen years now, it’s pretty safe to call you a veteran in this business. What’s some advice or values that you came in with that you still hold close to your heart this very day?

Chante Moore: Well, one thing that is important to me and I’m not sure if anyone says this anymore, but your integrity lasts longer than your career will. But, sad to say, it’s really not about that anymore in this industry, so I kind of feel like an old woman when I start talking about this industry. (laughs) Now, it’s seems to be all about poppin’ it and being sexy and singing about sex, as opposed to knowing what sex is and knowing what it means to be sexy. It isn’t about all of that to me, but it is about me making sure that I leave a legacy that I can be proud of. Something that my Great, Great, Great grandchildren can look back and proudly say “That was my Great-Grandmother.” and not be ashamed of me. I really believe that integrity is a very big deal and knowing that it’s really good music. As an artist, I really do want to continue to make music that will stand the test of times. Music that you can put in your stereo 10-15 years from now and go “You know? This girl sounds pretty good.” (laughs) I want to have music that touches your heart and not necessarily makes you want to dance, but also makes you think and makes you feel really good on the inside. Music that encourages you to be better and know that it’s ok to be what are, even if you’re sad at the moment, it’s going to pass! Just like everything else. You’re going to laugh again. You’re going to cry again and you‘re going to get over it and you‘re going to keep moving, so just embrace it. The reality of the situation is, when you’re 70, you’re not gonna be able to pop, lock, and drop it, so then what happens to your career? You know what I mean?

Terrell: That’s so true. Now, you’ve done a little bit of acting here and there, is acting something you’d like to do more of in the future?

Chante Moore: If it’s the right role, I would love to. Pushing myself to pretend to be somebody else and to enter that in a different way, I think the whole idea is exciting, so I would like to if the right role comes along.

Terrell: Ok. Now, did your husband (Kenny Lattimore) influence any of the songs on this album?

Chante Moore: (laughs) Of course! Any of the songs talking about me loving somebody. He’s the only one I’m loving, so….yeah….any one of those!

Terrell: Alright. Now, your last album “Exposed” was pretty much mainstream R&B for the most part. What made you return to the Adult/Contemporary/Jazz sound this time around for this new album?

Chante Moore: Well, I think what’s more important to me now that wasn’t as important to me then is….I think the record company at the time was like “You need to go more R&B and more mainstream” and all that…..and sometimes you kind of morph yourself into doing what they want to promote because you have to work together with your record company, whether you like it or not sometimes…well, really all the time. Because if they’re not going to support the album that you’re making, what’s the point? But, at the same time, making the “Exposed” album was fun, it was a lot of fun. Working with Jermaine Dupri and kind of stepping out of my comfort zone to do something a little different was fun. My marketing team then is now my management team. So the whole marketing strategy and working on that album was just so much fun. But, I think where I am now, I wish the industry would go back to focusing on the music. Go back to listening and feeling what it is you’re singing about. As opposed to saying “Wow, this beat is jamming’, what’s it about?….I don’t know.” Music needs to be a little more intellectual than it has been. Things have gone a little left. So far left to the point that I don’t want my daughter listening to the radio. Because if I ever hear singing about some of the topics they have being played on the air today, she’s gonna get a whooping…..and I don’t care who knows it. (laughs)

Terrell: (laughs) I know that’s right.

Chante Moore: I mean, that’s just not what I want to hear coming out of her mouth. Even the adults twenty-five and up. We want to hear something for us and not just stuff for the teenagers, you know? We want to be able to hear something that puts us in the mood. I’m not talking about “Hi there. Just met ya…can I lay you down?” (laughs) No! That’s not the way I live, it’s just not.

Terrell: Right. Now I see that you worked with Warryn Campbell on this project. He’s one of my personal favorite producers. So what was it like working with him?

Chante Moore: He’s so good at what he does. I mean, he’s also VERY funny, he really should have his own show because he’s just hilarious. But, he’s so good at what he does and his sister also writes with him and they are so good, I just can’t stress that enough. (laughs) The music, when I heard it I just got so excited. I love it when I can listen to something and it gets my heart racing, you know? Plus, he’s also a believer and I really like working with people who also have the same faith as me. And Terrell, you sound like you’re a church boy too, especially since you were at the Fred Hammond concert…

Terrell: (laughs) Indeed.

Chante Moore: See, I knew it. But yeah, it was a lot of fun working with him, he’s a great talent.

Terrell: Cool. Now speaking of being a believer, a lot of times artists like yourself who sing both R&B and gospel music receive a lot of criticism. I had the opportunity to speak with Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child last week and one thing she pointed out was the fact that most people don’t have a spiritual job 100% of the time…

Chante Moore: Absolutely.

Terrell: So, what is your view when it comes to people criticizing you and others artists for singing gospel and R&B music back to back?

Chante Moore: Well, you know I can only speak for myself. It is about integrity. It is about, for me, having music that is my pastor, my mother, or Jesus himself sat before me and I played it for them, would I have to repent? And my songs, hopefully, will not offend anyone. Not that I’m running around trying to please everyone either because if I did, I’d never sing a note. (laughs)

Terrell: (laughs)

Chante Moore: But, because I am a believer and because the Holy Spirit lives within me, I already have a judge that resides there! (laughs)

Terrell: Exactly!

Chante Moore: So in the end, it really isn’t about pleasing anybody else. And for those who have a problem with me singing gospel and R&B, then I’m not for you. I’m for the person who is living everyday life that won’t listen to BeBe and CeCe, or who won’t listen to Shirley Caesar, or anyone who’s just all the way gospel? They won’t listen. Because some of them are like “Oh, they’re just Christians, they won’t get me” and all that. So, if they see that Chante Moore is doing this, or Kelly Price is doing this or that Michelle Williams is doing this, then maybe that will open the door because one plants, one waters, and God himself gives the increase. It’s really about the kingdom. It’s not about what someone else is saying or what they think of me. Although, I would not want to cause anyone to stumble, which is why you have to watch what you say, you have to watch what you do, and most importantly, you have to watch the life you live. Your life is a bigger testimony than what you’re going to say. Because people say a lot of things and they live contrary, which is why I have to speak just for me. But I know that everyday, I have to answer to MY savior, and not yours because I don’t know who it is you call “savior“!

Terrell: (laughs) Right…..

Chante Moore: And it’s no secret that everybody going to church ain’t saved. Plus, a lot of the people who criticize and think that we’re living a double life, God is not gonna be pleased and at the end, we’re gonna to see who’s living right. When we stand before God in judgment, it says He’s gonna separate the heap from the goat.

Terrell: That’s right. Wouldn’t it be sad if the ones doing the most judging and criticizing don’t make it through the pearly gates themselves?

Chante Moore: OK! Because that’s a sin too! He said you’re going to be judged as you are judged. Yet, you judge them? It’s coming right back at you. So, yeah, it’s a lot. But, you know what? I can stand firm on the fact that I know what I know.

Terrell: That’s right. So what role do you feel your spirituality plays in your everyday life and how do you feel it coincides with your career?

Chante Moore: Whew! It tough Terrell. It really is. It’s a fight of the flesh and the spirit DAILY. From what I wear, to what I sing, to what I say, what I do, I mean EVERYTHING is a battle. But, I understand it, which makes it a little more clearer to me. Because when you fight a battle and don’t know who you’re fighting, it’s confusing. I think we look that way when we don’t know what we’re doing. I actually went through something about three years ago that I call my press for God’s face. (laughs) It was a time when I thought that I was in control of my career and that it was all OK because of the decisions I was making. But the Lord really had to tap me on the should and He told me he needed more. So I was like “Whoa.” You know what I mean? From the photograph I took with my husband, to the music, everything, even what I wore and you know what? That’s the hardest part for me. Figuring out how much is too much and what’s not enough? How do I look like I’m in this industry, but not of this world? Especially with people pressing you to go the sexy route all the time. And then, me being a person, who doesn’t mind being looked at in that way. So I have to fight my own desires and figure out how to do this with integrity. So that’s what it about, integrity.

Terrell: Alright. Now in promotion for this new album “Love The Woman”, I know you’ve been doing some spot dates with Jazz sensation Norman Brown.

Chante Moore: Yes!

Terrell: How has that been going?

Chante Moore: It’s been good, it’s been great. He’s very nice and I absolutely love the jazz crowd. The jazz audience is awesome because you don’t have to have a huge hit, they just like the sound of the music, the sound of the guitar, and the sound of the voice itself, you know? I appreciate being seen in that matter and it makes you want to break your neck for people when they appreciate you.

Terrell: That’s great. Well, again, I love the CD from start to finish and I really enjoyed talking with you today Chante.

Chante Moore: Thank you! I enjoyed talking with you too Terrell, and you hold on to your faith. Don’t let go of it because nothing in this world is more important and you know it.

Terrell: Oh, I won’t. Trust me, I know too well. (laughs)

Chante Moore: (laughs) Alright now.

Terrell: Ok, you have a good day and thanks again.

Chante Moore: You’re welcome babe. Bye!

Terrell: Bye.

Be sure you go out and pick up Chante’s brand new studio album “Love The Woman”, in stores and online June 17th, 2008!