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AE: It shows other sides of you.
JV: Right. I never had an opportunity to show my artistry. I don’t think a lot of kids do, on that show. I’m really excited because the last thing that anyone heard of me was my cover of “Easy” on the show. That’s not me. How can I prove myself as an artist? No one knows that I’m a writer, that I write music or that I can sing my ass off. When I come out with this record, people aren’t going to know what to say, because they don’t know anything from me. The transition will be easier since it’s been so long, and I’ve amped up my look a little bit. I’m coming off as a new artist with a different fan base. I can start from scratch. I won’t have those judges attached to me, telling me how to sing. This is my own, no one can tell me how to do it. There’s a confidence there that I never had before.

AE: In between American Idol and Eating Out, you won an Outmusic Award. What does that recognition mean to you?
JV: It was such a shock. I wasn’t expecting anything. When I heard that I won, I was so floored. It was definitely a confidence booster. People actually think that my songs are good. All of a sudden all these people were asking where they could get the record, but it was no longer for sale on MP3.com because the web-site had shut down. But it was a great feeling to recognized period. Especially when you put yourself out there and you’re writing your own music and people love it, there’s no better feeling than that.

AE: Looking back on your experience as a contestant on American Idol was there anything you would have done differently?
JV: I say that I would. I think that I would have picked a different song. For the top ten competition, I probably would have tried something more upbeat. But that’s honestly all I could say. There was an extreme time limit on picking songs and memorizing them. We only had a day to truly rehearse with our vocal coach and then perform before millions of people. I guess I wish that I would have had some pointers in fashion, that’s for sure (laugh). I’m really grateful for the experience. I’m just ready to conquer the industry on my own as an artist. I think that’s part of why I changed my look so much.

AE: You’re putting some distance between the Jim of today and the Jim of then.
JV: Right. Because I’m not the same person I was. People change and it’s been three years. I’m ready to shed the skin and tackle things on my own and not be afraid to push the edge a little bit and have dancers who are male and female and play the ambiguous role. I think we need that.

AE: Since the album is titled Rollercoaster, I wondered if that was your favorite amusement park ride or is there one that you like better?
JV: I picked it because it’s a huge description of my life before and after the show. If someone told me, four years ago, that I would have accomplished what I have, I would have laughed in their face. Not only that, but the record itself is kind of a rollercoaster. It’s a rollercoaster of a record and I’ve gone through a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s an all encompassing word. I love thrill rides; being up as high as possible.

Learn more about Verraros at jimverraros.com

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