www.seejuanita.com Velvet Addiction caught up with one of the most inspiring and unique voices in New York. In a sea of cookie cutter pop singers Juanita, soulful sound stands out like a beacon in the night. If you don’t know her now, you will soon. Check out our question and answer session with Juanita! Q: How long have you been performing? A: WOW, I’ve been performing since I was 12 years old–dancing and singing. I was involved in talent shows and dance competitions and after winning several of them, I decided to pursue dancing as a career and had done a few spots. I then was approached to model and had done various fashion shows and was a

finalist in the Miss Black World Modeling and Beauty Pageant. My singing career came about years later. Even though I sang in the youth choir and did talent shows, I didn’t really take singing as seriously as the dancing. However, when I made up my mind–and found my voice, I began to get into it.

What brought you back to the stage?
After several years of performing, in various aspects of entertainment, I decided to take a break. I was running hard for a long time and decided to take advantages of other opportunities and to allow myself time to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I started my own business, had gone back to college, and was just living. My “comeback” is all GOD. I had no intention of performing again and feel that I have been commissioned by the Lord to come back and do what I do. It’s so interesting that everything has totally come full circle and the hard work that I put into it years ago is finally paying off now–even though I wasn’t expecting it. But, that is how GOD works–everything happens in divine order.

How would you describe your sound?
This question has always ‘haunted’ me. I remember years ago when I was meeting w/ label execs, before the “neo-soul” category had been introduced, they couldn’t quite place my sound. They would label me as “alternative” or “progressive.” I would find myself getting upset because I couldn’t quite understand what they were talking about, because to me it was just my music. I describe my sound as “Universal S-O-U-L” and this means that you will hear a little bit of soul, r&b, jazz, funk, dance and maybe even classical influences. I grew up listening to a variety of music which has definitely affected my music. I am doing what comes authentically from my s-o-u-l, life, and experiences.

Who in the R&B game today do you respect and why?
I absolutely respect the r&b/soul legends, my soulster peers and anyone who is committed to ingenuity and creativity. Nina Simone is a huge influence to me. It is not easy making the choice to be yourself and sometimes that path is very rough. Anytime you do something different from the status quo, you will certainly be exposed to many challenges and have to break down some walls to get people to understand what you’re doing. So, I respect those who stand their ground and dare to be different and I will continue to reinforce that message to hopefully encourage others.
What’s the next step for you musically?

Well, since my musical return wasn’t something that I planned, I will have to just see what GOD has in store for me. I am presently working on a cd sampler that will be available by the Spring 2010. Also, I will continue doing live shows and possibly putting together a tour. I’ve been getting a great deal of requests to go abroad. So, for now, I am just keeping myself open to opportunities and waiting on the Lord.