Q&A with Crystyle

What have you been working on recently?
My most recent project is Natasha Bedingfield's album Pocket Full of Sunshine. It's actually the US release of her #1 selling album overseas. She added 3 or 4 new songs and the song I did, "Angel," just so happened to be the second single. From my understanding it debuted at #3, which is big for her first US release. I think people love the fact that she can really sing. She has a very soulful voice. I also wrote the first single for Phareal's new artist, Teyanna Taylor. It's called "Google Me," and it hits radio Feb 12th, so be on the lookout for that! Then of course I have the new single on Mariah Carey. It's called "Touch My Body" and it will hit radio February 12th!

What are you planning to work on next, and where are you planning to work on it?
Well, I'm working on records for Beyonce and Brandy right now. Also I'll be in LA with Jazze Pha working on records for the Pussycat Dolls and Girlicious.

Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I'm from da ATL!!! Lol, born and raised! Been here all my life and I aint leavin!

What was your first project as a musician that you really felt was important?
Actually, every time I get an opportunity to work on a project, I feel like it's the most important thing in the world. And I treat it that way for a reason. It keeps me focused and grounded. That way I won't go around thinking "Aww this aint a big deal." When you start thinking like that, you start working like that. However, Mariah Carey's project was probably the MOST important LOL.

Who do you look to as a mentor in your career, and what have they helped you to learn?
Wow, that's a long list. Actually, I have different mentors for separate reasons.

Vocally, I look up to the usual people, Mariah, Gladis Knight, Beyonce, and Brandy. All of them are incredibly strong vocalists with different styles. I don't know how, but somehow I can sound like any one of them when I want to. The fact that I study these "instruments" (I like to call them) expanded my range so now I can sing just about anything. Lyrically, I look up to Smokie Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diane Warren and Babyface.

These are some of the greatest writers in the history of music in my opinion so studying their work helps me write about the "normal" things in a way that most people don't think of saying. I learned to use wordplay. See, I told you I had a list. But really, I thank God for all of these people, without them I'd probably be super whack.

— Walter Jones