ASM: What can you share about your decision to audition for "American Idol" and your experience on the show?
Sloan: People had told me since the beginning of "Idol" that I should audition. I honestly had some doubts as to whether I should try, because so many of my friends who were incredibly talented had auditioned and never made it past the first round. I knew it was about much more than your singing talent and that if you were lucky enough to make it on, the votes were not always for the best singer. I had a solid career going and only wanted to do "Idol" if it would help that career and did not want it to damage my career or personal life in any way. Let's be honest, it's the biggest stage in the world and you risk putting yourself out there and having people judge you and make assumptions about you, without really knowing you. But once I realized that's what fame is and what people will do regardless of how you get in the limelight, I knew I had to release the fear of what people would think of me and go for it.
ASM: You reached the semifinals before being voted off. What was going through your mind at the time?
Sloan: Of course I wasn't ready to go home yet. So much of your life is put on hold for the competition and I really hoped I'd be in the top 10 and go on tour, etc. But I really do trust that God has perfect timing and now looking back I feel it is better that I had the opportunity to do some other things being off the show that I may not have had were I to have stayed until the end. I haven't lost any sleep wondering what might have happened if I had won, but rather planning how to continue moving forward with my career.
ASM: You and fellow contestant Sundance Head were signed rather quickly by Universal Motown Records after your departure. I understand there were plans for a joint album, but that didn't fall into place for you.
Sloan: Unfortunately, things didn't work out timing-wise the way we'd hoped. Although we had finished most of the songs, it was just too late to put out the album, so we are now both working on our solo careers. It was great working together. We had a lot of fun.
ASM: You mention Sting, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as some of your influences. What are some of the things you've picked up from those artists over the years and what do you respect the most about them?
Sloan: I enjoy the way those artists have reinvented themselves over the years and maintained such longevity in the industry. I feel like a lot of people can make a hit record or have a hit song, but to truly LAST in the business and continually put things out that are more exciting and draw your fan base back for more is something special. And most of all, they all have incredible gifts. They can stand alone on their talent — it's really about their voices — not just about being great performers.
ASM: The music industry is obviously facing some difficult challenges. Any suggestions for how the industry can improve?
Sloan: It appears that one day soon record labels may very well be obsolete. Because of iTunes and the new wave of music being released and purchased digitally, the game has really changed. It is a good opportunity for people of all genres to get their music heard.
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