Why don't you tell all the new fans a little about yourselves?
Cherie: I'm Cherie. I'll tell you about all of Essece! We are a group of four girls from Boston, Massachusetts... we have been through alot as a group and as individuals... we all have different styles and different taste in music. We are more like sisters then anything.
Sarah: Well, I'm Sarah! I'm 1/4 of Essence and we are a not-so-average girl group. We are all really different. I'm the girlie one, haha.
Janel: I'm a quirky, spontaneous, easy going, fun to be with girl. I'm a people person, but I also have a bitchy side. But we won't talk about that.
Lisa: My name is Lisa Diane Valcanas. I work, sit at home and that's my life. Thank you and drive through. (everyone else laughs)
Janel: She might say some weird stuff, but that's just Lisa for you...

You girls are pretty young, how does it feel to have accomplished so much at such a young age?
Lisa: I'd like to thank all the little people. AKA Dave Thompson. BSB 4 Life!
Cherie: Oh my God! You are so stupid. It doesn't feel any different, then if I was 25... all that matters is that I accomplished what I wanted. Whether it took 10 years or 3 it feels the same. Although being young does have advantages with teen aged fans.
Janel: What, did you get these answers out of a book somwhere Cherie? It feels good to be dedicated to something and it gives me a sense of responsability I don't think I would have without them.
Sarah: I think. Well, I'm not sure what I think. There's still so much more to accomplish in my life. I feel lucky to be doing what I am doing and I hope that no matter what happens me and my girls will have fun together.

Have you ever had voice/singing lessons? If so, for how long?
Sarah: Nope. No singing lessons. I taught myself to hit different notes.
Lisa: No. I was in select chorus in middle school... and I sing at the Fleet Center every Friday. I do free concerts. (laughter)
Janel: No you don't! Now people will try and go see you!
Cherie: Leave it! It's funny! (more laughter) I was in chorus 6 and 7th grade and I made the select chorus in 8th and right now my senior year im in chorus.
Janel: I took dance lessons, but never singing lessons. I never thought about singing until Sarah came along. Sarah and Britney.
Sarah: What? What about me and Britney?
Janel: Nothing.

Is there any one specific person or group that influenced your decisions to become singers?
Janel: I just answered that. Sarah's the one that was like "Let's start a group!" and an influence of singing is Britney Spears, because I want to be just like her when I grow up. Sarah: Oh! That's what you said.
Lisa: I would like to thank Slipknot. Their voices are so magical. And Britney Spears. Sarah: That's a strange mix. Anyway! As cheesy as this sounds... I'd have to say the Spice Girls. And also Madonna, Mariah and loads more.
Cherie: When I was little I loved Michael Jackson. And the funny thing is everytime I see old videos or even hear the music on the radio, it makes me soo happy all of a sudden. So, yeah I guess Michael Jackson. And definately Janet Jackson too. I remember I lived on a street with a group of cheerleaders, and I would go down and watch them practice to Janet. I just pictured myself doing that someday.

Can fans be expecting your CD coming out soon?
Lisa: No, sorry.
Janel: Well, we wish we had a record deal, but friends and labels can be expecting our demo soon.
Sarah: Yeah, we have an old demo, that is being sent out now. But we are going to go into the studio to record a new one soon.
Cherie: Yup.

Do you girls write your own songs?
Sarah: We try our hardest. When we have our first CD that is probably going to be one of our goals. I think writing your own songs just makes the process more personal and meaningful.
Cherie: I write alot of poems, and the poems inspire us to write lyrics and make it a song...
Janel: Yeah, we have one good song that Cherie basically wrote, but we all put our ten cents in.
Lisa: Sometimes we do. On Friday's after my concerts. Ther're all about the little people. Oh my God! MY ALMOND! (she droped the Almond Joy she was eating .. everyone bursts into hysterics)
Sarah: We SO have to keep that in the interview!

If you could do a duet with any artist of the past or present, who would it be, and why?
Janel: Oh God. There's so many! Um... Madonna or Aerosmith or Bon Jovi. My mom would pass out if we did a duet with Aerosmith.
Lisa: Mariah Carey, my close and personal friend.
Sarah: (rolls eyes) The sad thing, is that's the one strange thing she's said all night that is actually true. I'd say Nick Carter! haha. I'd love that. But other thn him, probably someone different and unexpected. Like Ja Rule or Avril. Something to grab everyone's attention. I'd love to work with Gwen Stefani and No Doubt! That would rock!
Cherie: Justin Timberlake, even though its weird of me to say this. I'm like head over heels for him in any way possible as a fan. I love his voice and his talent... and I love every song he has ever written. Plus I would have to have him beat boxing. I absolutly love that! It's like the best thing he does! Just kidding... but seriously he is just a wonderful artist.

If you girls wren't singers, what would you want to be?
Lisa: A DJ
Cherie: Well after high school, I plan to major in psychology, So probably a counselor of some sort. But I wouldn't mind having somewhat of an acting career at some point either.
Sarah: I'd say magazine editor or fashion designer. I'd also love to be an actress. Maybe I can do all! I'll be like J.Lo!
Janel: A sex psychatrist.

If you could say one thing to your fans, what would it be?
Cherie: Never give up on your dreams.
Sarah: You have to believe in yourself first. If you don't, who else will?
Janel: Live your life to the fullest and don't let anyone hold you back.
Lisa: Rock on.