UK Edition
Feeds
It's been a year since X Factor. Are you pleased finally to be releasing this album?
"Totally. I've been working a real long time getting these songs together and I've been very, very lucky to do the single and album with some really great writers. Ian Green, who I worked with, was involved in Madonna's new 'Celebration' track. I love my new single and I just hope everyone else does. I've put a lot of hard work into it."
What's your debut single, 'You Should Have Known', about?
"'You Should Have Known' is based on a relationship where someone can hurt you. It's about that moment when you realise that you have moved on. That's where the lyric comes in: 'You should have known better than to leave me alone'. It's a strong moving on song really."
Were you nervous to sing the line: "The love was wrong, but the sex was nice"?
"I was at first, but I just wanted to sing a song where the lyrics were real speaking. Rather than just a song written about a subject, I wanted the lyrics to be something people would actually say in a relationship. The song is a real song and it's definitely based on real life experiences. It means a lot and it's quite empowering really."
In the video you show a sexy side that we didn't really see on The X Factor. Are you pleased to be working this new image?
"People have picked up on this, but I didn't really notice. I suppose it's because there's a dance routine and it's quite a sexy routine. The song is quite urban and contemporary and it's a completely new sound for myself, but I'm still very much about my voice and the music. That's the way I want to keep it."
What can we expect from the debut album when it arrives?
"The album is quite an eclectic mix. There's a lot of urban on it, and some hip-hop influences, but there are also retro songs and a few ballads on there. I didn't want to focus on one particular sort of music. A lot of people thought I'd have a jazzy album, and there are a few jazz bits here and there, but I didn't want to do straight jazz."
Were you ever tempted to knock out a quick covers album?
"A few X Factor contestants have done the covers album, but I've been adamant all the way that I wanted it be my own music. I can write, so I wanted to bring out a record of new stuff and really find my own sound. That's why it's taken such a long while to release it."
Looking back, are you still annoyed that the judges voted you off X Factor so early?
"Oh no, not at all! Things can happen in so many different ways on that show. Even though I was the favourite to win at the start, I always felt like I wouldn't. I always felt slightly to the left of the show. I didn't quite have the X Factor image. I think it's the best show on TV, I really enjoyed my time on it and it totally changed my life, so it was wicked to be involved. I didn't really mind that much that I left. I think it was just the right time to go."
Are you still in contact with your mentor, Cheryl Cole?
"We kept in touch for a while, but obviously for the last couple of months we've both been so busy. I will always have great respect for Cheryl. She picked me as one of her Girls and it really meant a lot to me. I know Cheryl loves urban music and this song's definitely got some hip-hop influences, so I hope Cheryl will like it. I think her new song's brilliant. It's such a well-written song and it's very different to what people expected from her. It goes against the grain."
Thanks a lot for your time Laura!
"Thank you - and please tell everyone at Digital Spy that I always check what they're saying on the forums. They have supported me all the way and it means a lot to me!"
Laura White's debut single 'You Should Have Known' is released on November 2.
