Shelia Goss: How has your life changed since going solo?
Charlie Wilson: It’s made me focus a lot. I’ve been working out and doing a lot of things to get prepared for this.

Shelia: You’ve worked with R Kelly, Justin Timberlake and others. How did all of that come about?
Charlie: After R Kelly came on board everybody else wanted to get on the album. I was really amazed on how many big named producers wanted to work on it.

Shelia: What’s different about this album than your previous ones?
Charlie: The storytelling. This generation tells a story different than the way we used to tell it. We did it the subliminal way. They straight talk about it. Today’s R & B artists sing a different story.
If they want to talk about sex, they do.

Shelia: Are any of the songs reflective of your real life experiences?
Charlie: Basically some of “NO WORDS”. The song is coming from a woman’s perspective. We, as men, tend to not treat woman like queens. Looking back at my earlier relationships, I did that so many times. Now, I treat my woman with respect.

Shelia: Who are some of the new music artists you listen to?
Charlie: Mariah Carey, John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Kem. They are not afraid to have their own style.

Shelia: I’m sure your fans would love to know if you’re going on tour?
Charlie: I’ll be doing Gap Band shows for the rest of the year. I’m gearing up for my own tour slowly but surely. I’m performing some of my own songs. Trying to make people aware of who I am.

Shelia: In your opinion, what’s the difference between the love songs from say the 80s and the ones being made today?
Charlie: They are telling great stories, but differently. People want to hear details with the story you’re telling.

Shelia: What advice would you give new R & B singers?
Charlie: When your dreams come true, don’t take the money you’re making and blow it. Don’t get tangled up in the fame and fortune. We’re not promised this. Stay focused and don’t get caught up in the clutches of Satan--drugs and alcohol, girls, entourages. You’ll look up and there’ll be no money and everybody will be gone and there’ll be nobody trying to help you. Stay focused and continue to dream. Dream big and trust in the Lord.

Shelia: Will the Gap Band do a reunion album?
Charlie: I spoke to my older brother and he said, ‘You got to stay focused on Charlie Wilson right now.” I spoke to R Kelly about it so it could happen at any moment.

Shelia: What’s one thing your fans don’t know about you that you’re willing to share?
Charlie: A lot of my fans don’t know that I had an alcohol and drug problem that almost took my life. I wondered what I was going to do next, but by the grace of God, I’ve been clean and sober for almost eleven years now.

Shelia: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Charlie: Yes. Charlie, Last Name Wilson will be hitting stores on September 13th.

Shelia: My birthday is three days after your release, so I won’t forget.
Charlie: Really, well happy early birthday.

In September, we’ll both have something to celebrate.