This year marks the 30th anniversary of Exposure, the debut record from the girl group Exposé. With multiple hit records to their credit like "Come Go With Me" and "Season's Change," the group—consisting of Gioia Bruno, Jeanette Jurado and Ann Curless—amassed seven top-10 hits with their signature freestyle sound and pop ballads.
Bruno talked with Windy City Times about coming out and new music from the group.
Windy City Times: Your debut record, Exposure, turns 30 this year. What are some of your best memories of recording it?
Gioia Bruno: The excitement of it all. I got to know Jeanette, who actually moved into my apartment; we connected and then we just grew from there. Then we met Ann. The recording of the first album wasn't about the recording; it was about lifelong partners and a sisterhood.
WCT: That debut record was released in 1987 and the group broke up in 1996. What happened?
GB: It wasn't really a "breaking up" thing; it was sort of a "life happens" thing. I lost my voice in 1991, the girls continued with Kelly [Moneymaker]—who is an angel —and they went on to do a third album and had quite a bit of success on that, and I get to sing those songs today. In 2006, we started touring again and I think our first show was at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. It was amazing and we've been together since.
WCT: Who initially made contact in 2006 about getting back together?
GB: I think maybe Jeanette. The girls had tried to get together a couple of times but either somebody was having a baby or I was doing my solo career. There was something getting in the way. Being onstage with those ladies—they're my best friends and wonderful people—it's always amazing. We always say that we should have camera's around us all the time because of the stuff that goes down. It's hysterical.
WCT: There should be a DVD of behind-the-scenes stuff.
GB: There should be a reality show because it's always so nuts and so inspiring at the same time. We get on that stage together and it's totally beautiful. We get off the stage and we look at each other like, "We did it!" It's challenging. We did a show a couple of weeks ago with a band that we've never worked with. We just had the greatest time doing our full show with our band like we did back in the '80s. It was incredible and so freakin' stressful.
WCT: Was the group offered a reality show years ago?
GB: We did [get an offer], but everybody wasn't comfortable with the situation. And again, because of young children in their houses. I don't remember exactly what went wrong with that but I do think that if we could just do it ourselves we would be much better off. It's a trust issue with us. We signed a really shitty contract in the 1980s, so we're all contract-shy. I can't see myself signing another contract in my lifetime.
WCT: In 2006, you came out as bisexual.
GB: I love my girls and I love the relationships that I've had with women in my life, just like I love the relationship I have had with people in my life. Women are people and men are people. Right now, I am in a relationship with a man.
WCT: Was there a special woman in your life?
GB: I met someone and she wasn't really ready to commit. She was wonderful and I love her to this day. I needed all in. I am not about the gender; I am about the connection, the love and the respect that comes.
WCT: Can you talk about any new music that Exposé is working on?
GB: We have a song that we recorded pretty recently and I am in the process of getting some remixes done.
WCT: Are there plans to record a new CD?
GB: When I was on the road with the girls I had a baby and it took up my entire life and now the ladies have five children between the two of them and that is deserving of their time. And we're in three different cities. There is no excuse as to why we don't have an album out yet—we have to make one.
Exposé will be at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, on Saturday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m.; visit GeneseeTheatre.com . For more on Expose, visit ExposeOnline.net .
