(Credit: The Orchard)
So when word surfaced that Montag was embarking on a singing career, our curiosity was piqued. A leaked track, “Body Language,” even made us somewhat hopeful—it was a bona fide club banger, with a great Yaz sample and a beat that could go toe-to-toe with Britney’s overrated “Blackout” album.
It was imperative that we find out more from the girl herself—so as she prepped for the release of “Higher,” her first official single (and beach-romp video), we spoke with Heidi Montag, budding sonic superstar.
When did you first get into music?
From the moment I was born. I come from a very musical family. All of my uncles played the guitar, and I grew up singing and dancing.
Do you remember the first CD you bought or your first concert?
My first CD was Madonna. I was probably three or four, dancing around to Madonna. I love her. My first concert was the Spice Girls when I was 12 years old in Colorado.
With it being close to Valentine’s Day, what’s your idea of romantic music?
Probably like Etta James. I love her. Light jazz and classical music is pretty romantic. Obviously, like love songs. [Laughs] I have a couple of love songs on my album. They’re not finished yet, but those are my favorite romantic songs right now.
So the album isn’t done yet?
I’m in the studio finishing it up. It’s still a work in progress.
How would you describe the sound of the record so far?
You can’t really describe it. It’s like its own genre of music. A little bit of it is hip-hop, some of it’s very…the best way to say it is that all of the songs make you want to dance. It’s all so amazing, and each song is totally different. Every one is like a genre of its own. My producer, Theron Feemster, is so incredible that each time he literally touches the keyboard it’s from a different time zone. It never sounds the same. He’s kind of like a musical snowflake.
On “The Hills,” you’ve been painted as the villain. Do you enjoy that, or does it piss you off?
Neither. I’m not the narrator of the show. I knew going in that it was going to be from Lauren’s perspective. If I were the narrator, it would be a very different show. I can’t complain. I’m just happy to be on a show, and that’s the reality of things, no pun intended. [Laughs] The truth always comes out in the end anyway, so I’m not worried.
So when do you get your own show? A Heidi Montag series would be huge.
[Laughs] That’s a good question! I’m going to stick with "The Hills" for a while. We have another eight episodes this year, and then another season. I’ll see from there what I want to do.
What can we expect from a Heidi Montag concert?
It would be crazy. Music is what I really want to focus on. I’m not too worried about TV. Music is my life and my passion. I really want to be an entertainer. I feel like so much of what’s missing in music right now is that amazing entertainer. I want for people in 20 years to be like, “Do you remember that Heidi Montag concert? That was the craziest show ever!” I want it to be really fun and memorable.
How bummed were you when the song “Body Language” was so heavily leaked?
That was unfortunate. You just have to deal with it, move on and go “higher.” [Laughs]
Will you keep that song on your album?
No, I don’t think so. I was working with a different producer at the time.
Have you talked to any other musicians for advice on the music business?
I talked to Dave Navarro a little bit about life on the road and in the industry, since he has so much experience. I met rapper the Game, and we talked about dealing with haters. [Laughs] He was really cool. I met Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz. They were the best. They’re both so nice and down to earth. They had lots of great advice.
You and Spencer can probably relate to their situation. How much does he influence your music?
He’s such an important part of my life, and he’s brought a whole different part of me out. I never knew love like this existed until I met him. I’ve never been so happy with the person I am since we’ve been together. He encourages me to be a better person in so many ways.
If you could do a duet with anybody, who would it be?
Michael Jackson, Miley Cyrus or Britney Spears, if she could get her game back together.
Have you ever met Britney?
Not yet, but I’m dying to meet her. I’ve always been the biggest Britney fan.
How do you deal with the tabloids and paparazzi?
I have such a great support system, starting with Spencer. Also, I’m really religious. I have God, and he helps me through the tough times. And my fans! I’d just like to say how much I love all of the great fans that support me. You guys are the best!
