Originally Published: 2005-05-29

It may not have been planned that way, but the timing of the release of Divine Brown's first album couldn't be any better. This multi-talented singer/song-writer/actor put out her self-titled debut this week, right in the middle of a highly successful run of the hit musical in which she stars, Ain't Misbehavin'.
That means a crazily busy work schedule, but Divine isn't complaining. The first single and video off her album, 'Old School Love,' is already a hit, and having big newspaper ads for the play loudly proclaim her brilliance in the production is indeed excellent and well-timed publicity.
"Yes, it is awesome timing," she tells Tandem. "The play has been a great opportunity to be involved in something that is a little different from my album. I wanted to do it because I have a lot of respect for that time in music, plus I had to pay the bills. I'm a single mum [to daughter Tru Asia], so it is also a way to keep afloat."
When Ain't Misbehavin' closes down at the end of June, Brown will be able to give the promotion of her record full priority. "I am ready to go out there and show people what to expect on a live level. Live is where it is at for me."
All her acting experience has proved valuable training for Divine's music career. After a role in the off-Broadway hit Mama, I Wanna Sing, she had a key role in the hit Toronto production of Rent.
"There is always something to learn when in comes to theatre, in terms of stage presence and performance and chops. Also, you have to build up a certain degree of stamina to do eight shows a week, learning how to pace yourself so you still have enough left to blow people away at the end of the week. My voice will be in great shape when I start touring."
The Divine voice is a phenomenal instrument, one with a five-octave range. Thankfully, she chooses not to over-sing or show off on her disc (unlike the Mariahs or Celines out there). "That is definitely conscious. It is important to relay the story. From a live perspective, I like to leave myself room to do more live than on a recording level. It is so important in recording for people to feel the song and identify with the story, as opposed to saying 'that was a great lick.'"

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