We at the Urban Network get drop-byes and visits from artists all the time. But very few can cause a stir that a young and talented beauty like Mya can. All the guys, especially, were “no more good,” including this writer who got the opportunity to sit and have an extended chat with her regarding her career moves and a forthcoming album, titled “Liberation.”

To the industry it appears that you have been laying low for a bit. So, what have you been up to?
From 2003-2004, I had been performing. I had been to Africa and to all kinds of places, and filmed a couple of movies. I made a transition during 2005 with management, legal, agency and record company. I moved back home to Washington, D.C. My brother built a recording studio and a dance studio for me, which took about four months. I put together a summer program under my arts foundation and became a dance teacher. That was something that was close to my heart, and I wanted to get back to my roots for balance.

Can you talk a bit about your move from Interscope to Universal-Motown?
Well, both companies are within the same Universal Music family. Interscope is a great company but I just needed a little bit more attention. Plus, the R&B side of things isn’t really their forte. With Universal-Motown, I found a home that has a little bit more time for me. The transition was smooth. In fact, I saw Jimmy Iovine recently and everything is cool. There is no animosity or anything.

What’s it like working alongside a veteran executive like Sylvia Rhone?
It’s great! There is a lot of creative freedom. The lady knows her stuff. I have so much respect for her.

What’s the recording process been like for you?
It’s been great and pretty simple. This is not a lengthy process for me as it has been in the past. We started fresh in January 2006 and we finished the album in just a few months. We’ve traveled a lot, recording, from Miami and Atlanta to D.C. and New York—and out here in L.A. as well. I would like to think that this may be my best work and my most personal work so far.

Who are some of the producers who worked on the project?
I worked with Scott Storch; up and coming talent Chris Henderson out of Atlanta who has the first single (titled “A Yo!” featuring DJ Cool); Kwame; Carvin & Ivan out of Philly; and hip-hop producer J.R. I also recently got with the Underdogs just for fun, since the album is already finished.

How much writing did you actually do on the project?
I wrote on every single song.

Your videos have always featured a lot of dancing. Can we expect more this time around?
I don’t think the first single will be a choreographed video with a big dance number. That’s not the vibe of the song. What I will be doing are some trademark moves that will still be fly. It won’t have the whole dance situation behind me with the pyro and lights.

Since your last CD, there appears to be a whole new crop of young girls that have come out that are somewhat reminiscent of your vibe and style. What are your thoughts on where the music industry may be going creatively?
As a singer and dancer, there’s a lot of talent out there and I know it’s sometimes kind of hard to differentiate on radio and music video what an artist’s strengths are and what sets them a part. I’m very confident in my live performance and how I set myself a part. As a far as being a woman in this business, I have much respect for any woman entering it or who has had a long-standing career; and for those who are doing more than just singing. You don’t always have to dance. Some artists play an instrument. I play an instrument, too. But it’s kind of hard to dance and play my violin. I do put it in my live show, though.

Who inspires you?
I love Prince, Gregory Hines, Gene Kelly, Sade—my dad and grandmother sing, too. I come from a family of church-heads so there was a lot of music coming from home.

You’ve worked with Pras, Cuban Linx, Beanie Man, Missy, the Lady Marmalade Girls, etc. How do you like collaborating with other artists?
I enjoy that balance it gives my career, especially when it makes sense. When the song is impactful and when it hits a market or audience I wouldn’t necessarily reach with a single of my own; that is great. I really enjoy getting in the actual studio and working directly with the artist, though. That’s when the magic happens.

Some might say that you’re more into acting now than music. Is that true?
I never abandoned music but I’ve been opened to doing many things including fashion. I’ve just been through some large transitions and I never stop working. There are some films coming out, though, and I will be working on more. Ways of the Flesh is coming out in 2007. Metrosexual, which is like a guys’ version of Sex & The City, is coming in Spring 07. I’m in a movie coming called Step, filmed in Toronto, and discusses the world of step and dance and the competition that goes on backstage. I’m also shooting a film in the next three months called Cover aka Invisible, a Bill Duke film, in which he discusses HIV statistics among African American women.