Your real name is Kisean Paul Anderson, how did you come up with the stage name, Sean Kingston, and why did you want to have a stage name?
Sean is short for Kisean and Kingston is where I’m from in Jamaica. It was important to have a stage name that reflected who I am.
You describe your genre as “Reggae Fusion” could you tell us what that means, please?
My music is a mix of Rhythmic Pop and Reggae. My songs are melodic but always have the reggae infused undertones either in the track or in my voice. This combination is what makes my records distinguishable.
What do you think of the Twitter culture? How do you feel having thousands of people seeing your tweets? It’s a bit of a deluge into your personal life, isn’t it?
I love Twitter! I love the fact that I can communicate directly with my fans at all times and that they can communicate with me. I update where I am, what I’m doing and how I’m feeling. I don’t feel like it’s too intrusive on my personal life, as I control how much the people know.
On your new album ‘Tomorrow’, you’ve teamed up with Good Charlotte, what was working with them like?
Amazing! I have been a fan of them for a while so when my A&R suggested we collaborate, I was excited about the idea. They definitely brought a different dimension to the album.
Have you listened to the Bayside cover have done of your song “Beautiful Girls” (for the compilation album Pop Goes Punk 2). If yes, do you like it?
No, I haven’t heard it. But I am going to look it up and listen right after this.
Do you think your new releases will have an even bigger impact than ‘Beautiful Girls’ and your debut album had?
I hope so. I have spent a lot of time on this album and really tried to make it personal so the fans would get a glimpse of who I am.
What made you base Beautiful Girls on the bass line and lyrical association of “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King?
I was in the studio lounge one day waiting for JR and “Stand By Me” came on the radio. I immediately ran in the back and asked JR if anyone had ever flipped that sample and he said no..but we’re going to do it tonight..and that’s how Beautiful Girls came about.
You have your own record label, Time Is Money, what kind of artists are you looking to sign to your label?
I am not looking for one type specifically. Just looked for talented young people trying willing to work hard. My first artist Iyaz is from the Virgin Islands and his first single Replay was just serviced to radio in the US.
How do you think the music industry has been affected by Michael Jackson’s untimely death?
I think the music industry is still in shock. We lost a legend! Michael will live on in almost every entertainer of this generation.
Do you think your music comes across as well in the United Kingdom as opposed the USA?
Yes, I think it does. I’ve done numerous concerts in the UK and the fans sing along and show me so much love. I can’t wait for my next trip there!
You’ve toured with Gwen Stefani, Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson, what tour has been your favourite so far?
I would have to say Gwen Stefani. She is one of the coolest people ever. From Day 1 of the tour she welcomed me and I learned a lot from watching her perform and her professionalism.
What would your perfect tour line up be?
I’d love to tour with Kanye West.
Who would you most like to work with and why?
Jay-Z. He is my favorite artist and I’d love to collaborate with him.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Hmmm..that’s a hard one. I don’t think I could pick just one. My iPod is full of songs that would surprise people and I appreciate all for different reasons.
What’s your favourite song off the new album?
Wrap U Around Me-it’s the first real love song I’ve done.
Can you tell us what to expect from ‘Tomorrow’?
You will see the personal side of me. This album is more “musical” then my first album and definitely shows my growth as an artist and a person.