Ciara performs onstage at the BET Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday, June 30, 2013, in Los Angeles.Frank Micelotta/The Associated Press
For those who remember Ciara's first hit Goodies, it's difficult to square the fact she's only 27 years old. That single and its chart topping follow-up, 1, 2 Step, were both released on her debut album back in 2004. Born Ciara Princess Harris (she sticks to the mono-moniker, pronounced See-AIR-a), the Texan was initially signed at the age of 17 by music exec extraordinaire L.A. Reid. Yet her self-titled new release, her fifth album in total, marks the first time that she and Reid have worked so closely.
Throughout her career, Ciara has benefited from high-wattage support from the likes of Ludacris, Justin Timberlake and The-Dream, and she has opened on concert tours for Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears and Jay Z. Depending on whom you ask, her dance moves – a sexed-up spin on what's known as "body-popping" – rival her sweet, soprano pipes.
Either way, there's a reason her videos, including the recent Body Party and I'm Out featuring Nicki Minaj, have been watched tens of millions of times. On the phone from Los Angeles, she breaks down the definition of a "body party," remains coy about her current boyfriend, hip-hop star Future, and explains how this album is her most rewarding to date.
Are people born knowing how to pop their body, or can they learn?
I think everyone has some type of dance in them, no matter which rhythm they want to move in. I think we all have a strong connection to the power of dance and moving.
Perhaps it helps that you've written the songs, so you know how to move to them.
I definitely have more familiarity with the music considering that I get a chance to be part of the process of making the record from scratch. I'm able to internalize it more.
What did you learn from your most recent two albums, which were less successful than you might have hoped?
I think it's just about growing. And I think you always have to go with your gut. And if you don't agree with something, you strike it right away.
You've taken a new direction with the sound of this album – there are more dance tracks.
For sure. Music marks time, and you always express what you feel at that moment. I've had a moment of creative clarity this time around and I got to do exactly what I wanted and it feels really good.
For readers who may be unsure, what is a body party?
A body party can be several types of parties. It can be you and your loved one together being very intimate and, of course, very sensual and existing within the world of the two of you. And then it could be a group of your friends getting together and having a really great time where you can dance and solidify your body actions.
Different type of body question, because you clearly work hard on yours. Gym time: love it or loathe it?
Depends on the day. For the most part, I love it. You feel like you can conquer the world. And then there are some days when I feel like I don't want to see any part of the gym; I just want to eat good food.
What constitutes good food in Ciara's world?
I love pasta – a good spaghetti Bolognese with cheese. I love waffles with melted butter and whipped cream and turkey bacon. I love ice cream, cheeseburgers. I eat like a garbage disposal.
At least you dance.
I think the dancing has definitely saved my life.
With Future, which came first: dating or working together?
What's so funny is that we had been trying to work together for a while before meeting each other, and it was just a natural thing the first time we met. It was definitely an unexpected experience, but a really good unexpected experience.
When you have chemistry with a collaborator, does the song turn out differently?
I think so. He's my bestest friend and I think when you have a relationship with a strong friendship at the core, it definitely makes the experience more special and unique than the normal experiences.
You have a whopping 1.6 million followers on Instagram.
Oh yeah! It's all very spontaneous. I think you can't over-think a picture post. More than anything, it's about having fun and giving my fans more of an experience of who [I am]. And especially for me, with this album, I want fans to get to know me more.
Have you considered product extensions?
I definitely have plans to pursue all sorts of branding opportunities. I want to build an empire. Hopefully, 20 years from now, I will look back and see a successful brand – one that goes on even when I'm gone. That's my goal.
Do you think you will still be body-popping when you're 47?
I hope not! I hope I will be body-popping to the bank. That's what I hope to do. Oh yeah.
This interview has been condensed and edited.