It’s hard to promote a happy-go-lucky image once your band mate passes away. The ladies of GRL know it all too well. Back in 2014, things were going great for the fourth girlband created by the mighty boss in high heels Robin Antin (the most renowned one being The Pussycat Dolls). But on September, 5, the world (including four members of GRL) was shocked to learn that Simone Battle took her own life. Less than a year later the band split… only to announce a reunion last summer, which saw two original members — Lauren Bennett and Natasha Slayton — joining forces with a newcomer Jazzy Mejia.

Since then, the group parted ways with Dr.Luke's controversial label Kemosabe label, released two R&B-flavored singles, “Kiss Myself” and “Are We Good?”, and has no plans of slowing down. We had a long chat with the Phoenix-like girlband about rising from the ashes, filled with laughter and some seriously touching confessions. 

How are you today, ladies?

Natasha Slayton: We’re great. The only thing is that Jazzy is very, very sick right now, so she’s here with us, but she probably won’t answer as much.

Feel better, Jazzy!. It’s nice to have you all back. Can you guide me through the GRL 2.0? What changed and what didn’t?

Lauren Bennett: Well, our sound has definitely developed into something new. We’ve been growing up a little bit. And obviously we have our new member Jazzy. And this time around we’re taking the matter into our own hands. We’re able to write our own music now, so that’s very cool. Our new single “Are We Good?” was written by us girls. That really changed a lot for us, ‘cause we really feel like we’re in control like real artists.

So what we’re seeing now is a more grown up version of GRL?

Slayton: Yeah. We’re three girls now, so that’s changed. But our passion for music and for each other is still the same.

GRL’s girls always seemed to have a very special bond with each other. Are you on good terms with the members who didn’t return to the band, Emmalyn and Paula?

Slayton: Yeah, we are on good terms. They surprised us and came to one of our LA shows that we had in October. I talk to Paula all the time. Both girls are very busy doing their own thing and doing what they felt was right for them at this time in their lives, but we’re definitely still on good terms. We just don’t see them as often because we’re all doing our different things now.

Bennett: The thing is what we’ve been through together will always keep us connected. It’s like a family bond. Even if we don’t see each other or don’t speak for some time, at the end of the day we’re always gonna be connected.