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 BACK TO THE FUTURE
Ashlee Simpson’s got a new look, a new hit single and a new album that sounds as if it could have just stepped out of a Delorean, returning from 1985
If anyone knows how bittersweet the world can be—particularly in Hollywood, where the pendulum of public opinion can swing faster than a preschooler on speed—it’s Ashlee Simpson. Both good and bad, she says her experiences have made her the confident young woman she is today. Fresh off an appearance on MTV’s TRL to promote her new single, “Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya),” Ashlee gave us the scoop on her new album, Bittersweet World, coming soon.
INSTINCT: If there’s one thing we gays love, it’s a great comeback story. You’ve managed to come back with two successful albums since 2004’s SNL-gate. How did you find the strength?
ASHLEE SIMPSON: If there’s something that you love to do—and you believe in yourself—you get back up and you keep going. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
It’s an inspiration to anyone—gay or straight—who has ever walked through tough times, to see you go on and do two kick-ass albums.
Oh, shoot! [Laughs]
You know, second to a great comeback story, we love a great makeover story. Has that affected your sound?
I was confident before and I am confident now. But at the end of the day, I am just a really down-to-earth girl. Like me, the record’s kinda cheeky, and there are some sarcastic moments on the record, too, that are funny.
Share some sexy tales of your boyfriend, Pete Wentz!
He’s an incredible guy and he’s my best friend, so we definitely have something very special, and I don’t know…[Laughs] I’m getting all giddy!
Who takes longer to get ready?
I have to take the cake on that one!
Your first single, “Outta My Head,” sounds like it came straight out of the ’80s.
I love the ’80s. I love, like, Missing Persons and Blondie. It’s just great music to dance around to and to get ready to. Anytime a good ’80s song comes on—especially if you’re out dancing—you’re like, “Yes!” I don’t know about all the ’80s gear, though. Some of it I liked, but there were a few things that were definitely questionable.
Which track on Bittersweet World is nearest to your heart?
“Never Dream Alone.” It’s just like a really sweet song. You have to listen to the lyrics!
Which track do you think the gay boys will be bumpin’?
I have one for you guys, and it’s called “Boys.” You’ll love it!
Last year, you were honored at CosmoGirl’s Born to Lead Awards. In what’s becoming the decade of bad girls, how important is it to you to be a healthy role model?
It seems everybody says, “I don’t want to be a role model,” or whatever. For me, it is an honor. Being able to fight back, to stand up for yourself and your beliefs and to really believe in yourself are all things I want to be a role model for.
A lot of your songs touch on knowing yourself and being proud. How have you been able to achieve such confidence at 23?
At the end of the day, I am very happy with who I am and with my friends and the wonderful people I have around me. I have definitely been through a lot, for 23, but I know that there’s a whole journey ahead. I just take it day by day and stay confident and happy. And if I ever were to fall, I’ve got people to pick me up, to say, “Ashlee, that is so not you. What are you doing?” But there are definitely days I am not confident.
What gets you through those days?
My friends, my significant other and also relaxing and thinking, It’s not so bad; life is pretty darn good.
You got great reviews playing Roxie Hart in a London stage production of Chicago. How was that?
I just loved doing it. Every night was a new memory, and it was such a beautiful show. There were plenty of long days, but it all paid off on the very first night. I really did grow a lot as an artist trying to keep up with all these wonderful theater actors who have been doing it forever. It’s something that I definitely want to continue to do.
Would you be surprised to find out we gay boys love you so much?
Are you kidding me? I love it. It’s so awesome.
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Bittersweet World drops soon. For more of Ms. “Sass”-lee, visit ashleesimpsonmusic.com.
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Instinct Online 
