Bolstered by the confidence that seven Grammy Awards nominations can bring, singer/songwriter India.Arie has begun working on her next album, which she expects to have ready for a summer release.
One new song is titled "I Really Think Someone Oughta Know," her publicist said. Other titles are being kept under wraps.
Arie is also putting the final touches on her new video, "Ready for Love," which was shot right before Christmas by director Sanaa Hamri, who filmed the Mariah Carey video for "Don't Stop." The clip depicts Arie performing on a set decorated with white candles and features cameos by Freddie Jackson, Musiq Soulchild, Glenn Lewis, Kindred, Nona Hendrix of Labelle, Grenique, Renee of Zhané and a few new Motown artists.
"It's about the healing power of sounds and words," she said Friday at the announcement of the Grammy Awards nominations in Los Angeles. Arie was recognized in seven categories, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist (see "U2, India.Arie Lead Grammy Pack" ).
She credited the success of Acoustic Soul to her personal style of songwriting and carefully chosen lyrics. "I've always been very particular and very aware of what I say and what I won't say and how I say what I say, 'cause I believe in the power of music, and I know what it can do," she explained.
