"I Didn't Know Who I Was": Former Pussycat Doll J. Sutta Talks Going Solo, Releasing Debut Album

When former Pussycat Doll turned solo artist, J. Sutta, sat down for a phone interview with us Friday evening, she was breathless and wired.

"Sorry," the pop artist laughed when she picked up the phone. "My house is upside down because we decided to have the album release party at my house. I'm looking at a giant inflatable unicorn right now." This seemed to set the mood for a fun and lighthearted conversation about J. Sutta's new album, her future plans and more.

As previously stated, Sutta was releasing her album on Friday evening and decided to have the party at her home. "I decided, 'Let's do it at my house!' Why not?" Sutta said. "I love putting on productions. I want to have a celebration with all my close friends and family."

The album, titled "I Say Yes," features tracks like the single "Distortion," which hit no. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart Feb. 18.

"It was my second number 1 as a solo artist," she said. "I think they're really rooting for me in the clubs." I Say Yes is an album of self-discovery and love, about saying "yes" to what you want and never taking no for an answer. 

"Especially in LA, you hear a lot of nos," Sutta said as she explained the meaning behind the album and title track, "I Say Yes." "And when I made this album, I was like, 'I say yes!' This album is a reflection of the door that opens when you say yes to yourself."

She also described the album as being a way for her to grow. "It’s a true reflection of my constant yearning for growth," she said. "I feel like I grew up with this album."

Sutta's solo career is many years in the making. In 2009, she left the Pussycat Dolls in the interest of herself and her identity.

"I broke my rib on the floor in 2009, and honest to god it broke something inside me that kinda woke me up and said, 'Let’s fill this void inside you,'" she said. "As incredible as being a part of the Pussycat Dolls was - and it was, I learned so much - it was time for me to do my own thing. I was part of this huge machine, and I didn't know who J. Sutta was. I didn't know who I was."

Now, with a full-length solo album under her belt, Sutta is planning a tour next. "I will be planning a tour," she said. "I start the East coast June 12, maybe sooner, you never know!"

Going from being a part of a group to being a solo artist was hard, and Sutta said she owes her success to her fans, who have remained loyal and supportive throughout the years.
"I don’t have a high-powered money machine behind me anymore," she said. "I owe everything to my fans, their unwavering support has been incredible."

"It’s put me in tears, the response we’ve gotten from the fans," she said later when discussing the fans' reaction to her new album. "As an artist the fans are the most important. And of course, I have to give a shoutout to the Suttas! They’re really my biggest fans."

It is clear that the fans and her connection to them are the most important aspects of Sutta's career, as she brought it up every chance she got. When asked what motivates her, her immediate response was to say her fans.

"My fans really motivate me… I have a fan named Lucas and he got my name tattooed on his neck! I was like 'Wow, I cant give this up now!' As an artist I feel like I'm really here to heal, and I think bringing a service to people makes me a better person. I feel more whole when I help people."

Sutta cited going overseas to do shows for the troops and doing shows in support of the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando as just some of the instances in which she's gotten the chance to help others.

In the future, Sutta said she hopes to try acting.

"I really want to go into acting - I want to open up the J. Sutta brand," she said. As for the distant future, Sutta said she just wants a peaceful life in the wilderness with her dogs. "I love to be in nature, I have a dream to build a house in the desert off the grid." she said. "I wanna have my own farm, and I’d come to LA once in a while but mostly I’d be a recluse! When the time is right for me to retire, I will do it very happily."

As for what she wants her fans to know, Sutta had this to say:

"If you have something in your life that’s getting in your way, take it away, because you are worth it. Say yes to yourself."

"I Say Yes" is now available on iTunes and Spotify .