D. Woods: More To Her Than You Know

After Diddy passed harsh criticism on the participants of "Making The Band 3" during the elimination rounds, the hard work paid off for the winning ladies after the finales of the show. The five girls of Danity Kane, including Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgett, instantly found their way to the top of the charts with their debut album, while the first single "Showstopper" was embraced by the club audiences. But, it's harder to stay on top than it is getting there. A year and a half after the release of their self-titled album, the girls are gearing up for a new album release.

As if a group album and new season of "Making The Band" aren't time consuming enough already, D. Woods has a handful of side projects on her "to do" list for 08. Next to the hit song, "You Don't Know Me" with Gorilla Zoe, which she recorded with Gorilla Zoe, D. Woods talks to Ballerstatus about her work out video and passion for song writing.

BallerStatus.com: There have been a lot of rumors about Danity Kane splitting up and troubles between the members. What's the latest on the relationship between the members of the group?

D. Woods: Like you said, rumors. The group is definitely intact. We never intended to split up. And as far as troubles within the group, there is nothing unusual that we've gone through that any other group hasn't gone through. The circumstances under which this group was formed, five girls from different walks of life competing against one another and then making a successful album -- 1.2 million sold -- all on reality TV in under a year, created some stressful environments. We had to deal with all that and learn each other, so we could work together when all the cameras and "yes men" leave.

BallerStatus.com: How would you describe your role in the group?

D. Woods: We are some very head strong, talented, eclectic and creative females. I don't think there are many girl groups that work like us collectively. Everyone can pull the weight, sing the part, and look the role. We like to say we are little super heroes. Like power rangers; different flavors and colors, but we can all get it done.

BallerStatus.com: On Danity Kane's debut album, you worked with a cast of top producers, including Timbaland and Mario Winans. Looking at the success you achieved with it, do you feel any pressure for the sophomore album?

D. Woods: Of course. Like they say in school, it's harder to keep an "A" than to make one. However, we are really working hard to top ourselves. We made new friends in the producer and writer game and we have also contributed material that's on fire, so we're not that worried.

BallerStatus.com: As far as the new group album, how far is it from being done? It was initially scheduled for a February release, is that still on?

D. Woods: Yup, DK is in the process of doing a new album. We are pretty deep into it, but I do believe we'll have it ready for February. We are also filming another season of "Making The Band" that airs January 28th, so everyone can see how we did it.

BallerStatus.com: Tell me more about the overall vibe of the album and the producers/artists you will collaborate with.

D. Woods: This album is definitely a dance record. We made a point to create an energy driven, futuristic, pop, international sound to this one. So with that being said, we are working with producers Danja, The Runners, B.Cox, Scott Storch, Jim Beans, Seven and writers Mary Brown, Angie Hunte, Pooh Bear, The Clutch and ourselves.

BallerStatus.com: Diddy put together the group members and gave direction... he basically molded Danity Kane. Does he still give you guys a lot of feedback and advice or has he been standoffish after the release of your debut album? Does he have any involvement in the new album?

D. Woods: Diddy has the last word on everything at Bad Boy, especially our project because of the TV aspect and how visible our process is. But this time, we have built an understanding with him that Dainty Kane has a vision on its own. We had to hold back last album and take direction, but this time, especially with the kind of year we had, I think we've earned the respect and privilege to take some of the reigns.

BallerStatus.com: You wrote a couple of songs on the album. Would you describe yourself more as free flowing in the studio or more of a writer that's really conscious of what you're putting out?

D. Woods: It really depends on the situation. There are times when I am very conscious because I'm trying to meet a requirement, but I feel like the best stuff comes when I'm not trying. Really it's the best, when it's me and my crew in there playing around. That's what creating is to me, it's fun.

BallerStatus.com: Will you be writing for other artists in the near future?

D. Woods: Yes, I will be writing for other artists.

BallerStatus.com: Tell me more about the process of writing for other artists. Do you write material with a certain artist in mind and then approach them with the song, or do you just pen songs on a regular basis and sell them?

D. Woods: The process is a little bit of both things you mentioned. I'm always coming up with ideas for songs and writing it down on whatever is closest to me. Then sometimes I'll get tracks I love and I'll do something to them. Then there are specific projects I set out to be a part of. I presented Gorilla Zoe with the song "You Don't Know Me." He loved the direction I was going, so he did his thing on it. Lloyd and I always get together in the studio, sometimes just playing, but then we'll come out with something that he'll want to use. And of course I presented Danity Kane with several joints I wrote with The Girls Club for our upcoming album.

BallerStatus.com: So the track with your label mate Gorilla Zoe called "You Don't Know Me," how did you originally go about putting that togehter for Zoe?

D. Woods: Well when I found out Zoe was on the label, I called our label president and said "You know that's my homie from high school, right? So set the session up." I was so happy for him and I knew more about his personality than what I think most people could see. That's why I wrote "You Don't Know Me." I wanted to open him up a little bit, so people could start to see that he and probably most hip-hop and urban artists can talk about more than the usual.

BallerStatus.com: You seem more urban than the rest of the group. Being part of a group of diverse individuals might be a challenge, but do you ever aspire to go solo again and have full creative control of your music?

D. Woods: I am what I am. I don't label myself as urban, hip-hop, R&B, or anything. I think I work in this group because I have been exposed to so much in my life, much of which people would never expect by looking at me. I can adapt and it still seems like it's natural to me. But there's a time and place for everything, and there will be opportunities for me to express all of the many sides I have. I'm sure you have already noticed things peaking out here and there.

BallerStatus.com: What's the latest on The Girls Club -- the group you formed with your sister and another artist?

D. Woods: Well, The Girls Club is like a sorority in the industry. Mika Means, Shanell and I are kind of the nucleus, but there are lots more of us. It's a network to support females in the entertainment world and to make a statement that females can be beautiful, positive, talented, have fun, and about their business. We have my girls in DK down for the cause, more female artists, choreographers, dancers, actresses, stylists, etc. So right now many of us are on the grind and cooking up our individual projects for 2008, and calling one another in where we need each other. In addition to that, we are working on some outreach projects for girls coming up.

BallerStatus.com: Before joining Danity Kane, you were working on a solo career, voice training, dance and acting. A lot of musicians with acting and dancing aspirations are doing musicals right now. I'm sure you've heard about Fantasia missing over 50 performances of "The Color Purple." If the producers would approach you to replace her for the upcoming shows, what would you say?

D. Woods: I would say "HELL YEAH!" Not taking anything from Fantasia, I have seen her in the show and she rocks. But I come from the theatre and I know how much discipline it takes. To be an artist in a production like that, you have to shut some stuff down. But ironically when I auditioned for "Making The Band," my calendar of auditions read, "Making The Band" on Thursday, "Color Purple" on Friday. You can guess what happened on Thursday and why I probably skipped my Friday appointment. I can't wait for an opportunity to do another musical.

BallerStatus.com: What else are you working on right now?

D. Woods: I am definitely working my butt off to make this DK album hot. We are also filming "Making The Band" at the same time, so you'll see how it was all done. But I'm developing a workout video with The Girls Club called "Crunk Abs!," working on more writing... and that keeps me pretty busy.

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