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Whatever happened to... The 411?
Published Monday, Jul 13 2009, 06:30 BST | By David Balls | 20 comments
Your first two singles did really well, but what happened after that?
"Yeah, both of them getting into the top five was a really promising start, but then our third single 'Teardrops' only went in at number 23. It was released to help plug the album, so that meant we were in real trouble. When the album missed out on the top 40, I think our label just decided that it wasn't worth keeping us anymore."
Do you think they gave up on you too quickly?
"Well, they were in the middle of a merger at the time so they were clearing out a lot of their less successful groups and singers. I think if we'd gone to them and literally begged, they might have given us another chance. We could have tried to bring it all back with a fourth single, but I don't think there was anything on the album strong enough to be honest. I think another problem was that we didn't have much publicity. When you look at Girls Aloud or The Saturdays, they're always in the paper. We never had that kind of exposure."
Did you enjoy being part of a girl group?
"It was always my dream to sing, so when I got offered a place in the group I jumped at the chance. I was working in a dead-end job in Birmingham so moving down to London by myself was quite a big thing. As a group we got on well but there were always little arguments along the way, which is probably fairly normal when it's four girls together!"
You were on The X Factor last year. Did you enjoy it?
"I'd been doing backing vocals for a while and just decided to give it a go. Getting as far as I did was a great boost to my confidence, but I'm glad now that I didn't make it all the way. There was a lot of pressure placed on you by the producers and you get caught up in it all, which is why I was a blubbering wreck when Dannii told me I hadn't made it through to the final 12."
What have you been doing since?
"Well, I had been doing stuff with Candi Staton, but now I'm working on tracks with Mousse T in Germany. The first song will probably be called '(All Nite Long) D.I.S.C.O' and it's being released in Europe in the Autumn. It should be coming out over here at some point as well. The album is coming along nicely too so watch this space!"
Press 'play' below to watch the 'Dumb' video:
What are your memories of The 411? Would you like them to make a comeback? Use the space below to leave your comments.
Your Views
20 Comments
Your Responses
Chriss, on September 4th, 2010
X Factor judges were mad to let Suzie Furlonger loose from the final 24 stage in 2008. From singing talent shows such as American Idol and X Factor there are only a few with real talent, and remain memorable to this day. The likes of Katherine McPhee, Adam Lambert, both Cheryl Cole and Nadine in Girls Aloud, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Diana Vickers stand out as does Suzie Furlonger. Love her voice, she's very pretty, and with any luck she'll make music in America, Germany and in Britain for years to come. X Factor judges, and Dannii in particular... this was your biggest ever mistake!
X Factor judges were mad to let Suzie Furlonger loose from the final 24 stage in 2008. From singing talent shows such as American Idol and X Factor there are only a few with real talent, and remain memorable to this day. The likes of Katherine McPhee, Adam Lambert, both Cheryl Cole and Nadine in Girls Aloud, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Diana Vickers stand out as does Suzie Furlonger. Love her voice, she's very pretty, and with any luck she'll make music in America, Germany and in Britain for years to come. X Factor judges, and Dannii in particular... this was your biggest ever mistake!
Patrick, Southampton, on March 17th, 2010
i rediscovered the 411 a few days ago, and listening the song On my knees, Tear drops, and china girl is was really quite shocked at the sheer quality of the pieces "china girl" sounds like something Lady Gaga might churn out, and On My Knees was beautifully unique and edgy, it's one of the FEW albums where i like more than about 2 of the songs on there. it's such a shame they split up, i was really into their style, it's almost like Cheryl Cole, All Saints and someone really quirky like Gaga or kate bush or something all rolled into one.
i rediscovered the 411 a few days ago, and listening the song On my knees, Tear drops, and china girl is was really quite shocked at the sheer quality of the pieces "china girl" sounds like something Lady Gaga might churn out, and On My Knees was beautifully unique and edgy, it's one of the FEW albums where i like more than about 2 of the songs on there. it's such a shame they split up, i was really into their style, it's almost like Cheryl Cole, All Saints and someone really quirky like Gaga or kate bush or something all rolled into one.
lyle, scotland, on July 16th, 2009
dumb is one of the best songs of it's era!
dumb is one of the best songs of it's era!
Hayley, on July 15th, 2009
The 411 should definitely make a comeback, I've met them and they're really nice girls
The 411 should definitely make a comeback, I've met them and they're really nice girls
Keke, on July 15th, 2009
completely forgot about this group but listening to their music really reminds me how good they were and the record company were very stupid to let them go. they should have realised that within the music industury their is a market needed especially within the UK of a urban/r&b group as the saturdays and girls aloud are very much similar. the record company were very stupid to let them go so easily and should have put alot of attention in PR otherwise they would have being successful.
completely forgot about this group but listening to their music really reminds me how good they were and the record company were very stupid to let them go. they should have realised that within the music industury their is a market needed especially within the UK of a urban/r&b group as the saturdays and girls aloud are very much similar. the record company were very stupid to let them go so easily and should have put alot of attention in PR otherwise they would have being successful.
Tracey, Lincs, on July 15th, 2009
LOVED Dumb! agree with Sara - soulful but edgy pop - better than the bloomin cascada/basshunter rubbish...
LOVED Dumb! agree with Sara - soulful but edgy pop - better than the bloomin cascada/basshunter rubbish...
Jules Manchester, on July 15th, 2009
They completely missed me by. Can't recall the band name or the songs :/
They completely missed me by. Can't recall the band name or the songs :/
Lucy Bancroft, on July 15th, 2009
I Loved them! Dumb is my middle name!
I Loved them! Dumb is my middle name!
sara warrington, on July 15th, 2009
I loved The 411 and think they should make a comeback! They had cool vibe that is missing from the charts at the moment, 'Dumb' is a perfect example of the kind of 'cool' I mean. Soulful, but edgy - love the clicking, you can't help but do it.
I loved The 411 and think they should make a comeback! They had cool vibe that is missing from the charts at the moment, 'Dumb' is a perfect example of the kind of 'cool' I mean. Soulful, but edgy - love the clicking, you can't help but do it.
James, London, on July 14th, 2009
It's such a shame these girls got dropped. Their album is such a good one and I regularly listen to it. They need to come back. Good luck to Suzie though.
It's such a shame these girls got dropped. Their album is such a good one and I regularly listen to it. They need to come back. Good luck to Suzie though.
Yasmina,London, on July 14th, 2009
These girls were really good. Good to see Suzie doing well.
These girls were really good. Good to see Suzie doing well.
makson, on July 14th, 2009
Ahh the 411!! The most mysterious girlgroup ever lol. I thought their record label was really harsh to drop them so soon after they had 2 top 5 hits.
Ahh the 411!! The most mysterious girlgroup ever lol. I thought their record label was really harsh to drop them so soon after they had 2 top 5 hits.
Lindy, London, on July 13th, 2009
I really liked these girls. Thought it was a massive shame when they disappeared. I remember their third single wasn't great so it was a shame the label dropped them. Personally cannot see what all the fuss is about surrounding The Saturdays. Think the 411 could've easily rivaled Girls Aloud. Would love to see them stage a comeback with better songs and better PR.
I really liked these girls. Thought it was a massive shame when they disappeared. I remember their third single wasn't great so it was a shame the label dropped them. Personally cannot see what all the fuss is about surrounding The Saturdays. Think the 411 could've easily rivaled Girls Aloud. Would love to see them stage a comeback with better songs and better PR.
lalita, leeds, on July 13th, 2009
Oh I miss them i loved their song 'Dumb' and 'on my knees' I still listen to them from time to time I think they should make another single for us fans
Oh I miss them i loved their song 'Dumb' and 'on my knees' I still listen to them from time to time I think they should make another single for us fans
Aled, North Wales, on July 13th, 2009
Absoulelty loved this group! A total crime that they were dropped with so much potential. Hope Suzie's solo stuff does well.
Absoulelty loved this group! A total crime that they were dropped with so much potential. Hope Suzie's solo stuff does well.
., on July 13th, 2009
Wow haven't thought about these for awhile, I loved them. Never knew what happend to them, they just vanished. On My knees was a great song, I think they should get back together aslong as they stick to that type of music.
Wow haven't thought about these for awhile, I loved them. Never knew what happend to them, they just vanished. On My knees was a great song, I think they should get back together aslong as they stick to that type of music.
Nadine, Manchester, on July 13th, 2009
I used to love the 411 especially Dumb and Teardrops which deserved to get higher up in the charts!
I used to love the 411 especially Dumb and Teardrops which deserved to get higher up in the charts!
mikee, hull, on July 13th, 2009
the 411 was excellent even though only 3 singles and 1 album released they still prominant on my itunes and cd player today, teardrops the 3rd single was excellent but lack of promo made it flop. but two top 5 hits at that point in music was excellent for a girlgroup. the album also suffered lack of promo but was a good pop album and could of had been saved with another single. off to put it on now BRING BACK THE411
the 411 was excellent even though only 3 singles and 1 album released they still prominant on my itunes and cd player today, teardrops the 3rd single was excellent but lack of promo made it flop. but two top 5 hits at that point in music was excellent for a girlgroup. the album also suffered lack of promo but was a good pop album and could of had been saved with another single. off to put it on now BRING BACK THE411
Glen, Bournemouth, on July 13th, 2009
I always wondered what happened to The 411. I bought their album and really liked it and thought they had great potential given the chance. Shame on the record company.
I always wondered what happened to The 411. I bought their album and really liked it and thought they had great potential given the chance. Shame on the record company.
i remember discovering this band and loving them to bits. so sad when you hear it did not work out. good luck out there girls. will forever listen to "dumb".