The following interview, originally published in November 2009, revisits Selena Gomez’s thoughts on her debut album and how she handled the heat from critics who doubted her ambitions. Gomez spoke with frank confidence about turning early doubts into energy that fueled her creative drive, and she described the spirit she hoped to capture with The Scene as a close-knit, collaborative family unit rather than a lone artist pursuing a quick hit.
She explained that a portion of the audience teased her for chasing a scene-style look, and rather than retreat, she embraced the label and made it her own. By adopting The Scene as the name, she connected the music to the mood she wanted to cultivate and signaled that the project was a shared, communal effort rather than a solo pursuit.
Gomez valued a family vibe, something she had already cultivated on her television show with a cast that felt like a family she could lean on. She wanted that same sense of support and belonging to permeate the music, shaping The Scene as a crew rather than a single performer marching alone through the industry.
Described as fun and empowering, the album aimed to be music fans could own, especially youngsters her age, with melodies sturdy enough for parents to enjoy in the car or at home. The music was crafted to be uplifting, confident, and singable, balancing excitement with accessibility for a broad audience.
Influences included songs that simply made Gomez happy. She explained that the energy came from music that elevates mood, drawing inspiration from artists she admired such as Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry, whose tunes spark joy and momentum.
This project developed over several years. The earliest tracks were “Falling Down” and “Stop and Erase,” which helped set her sound in motion. Over time, the direction shifted toward something with an old-school vibe reminiscent of Avril Lavigne, a comparison that Gomez says helped steer the record during its evolution.
Among the album’s tracks, she cited favorites like “I Won’t Apologize” and “Naturally.” The first holds personal meaning because she wrote it herself, while the second is a playful dance tune that captures a different side of the record.
When it came to live performances, the song that elicited the strongest reaction was “Crush.” Gomez described a surge of happiness that overtakes her whenever that track begins to play on stage, a moment she loves to relive.
Regarding collaborations, Jason Mraz topped the list. Gomez admires him for his musical, vocal, and lyric gifts and would welcome a chance to work together, valuing the artistry he brings to pop music and storytelling.
As for the future, there was optimism about continuing the project as The Scene, with more music from the group and fewer single releases. The prospect of a longer, more collaborative run under The Scene reflects her belief in a shared creative home for the musicians involved.
Thank you messages closed the conversation, acknowledging how Selena Gomez has resonated with fans and hinting at new music from her ensemble down the line, inviting listeners to stay tuned for what’s next.