After 10 years on the music charts, Kristine W continues to remain on top with hits such as “I’ll Be Your Light” and last summer’s “Walk Away.” Her latest track, “The Boss,” a remake of Diana Ross’ 1979 classic, hit the charts this month and is predicted to be her eleventh No. 1. We spoke with the diva on the eve of her latest album’s release to get her opinion on the current state of dance music and how she plans to ignite the dance floor in ’08 and beyond.

Gay & Lesbian Times: You really are the boss of dance music today, Kristine. Did you ever imagine you would lead the dance floor with the most No. 1 singles?

Kristine W: I always dreamed of having dance hits like my idol, Donna Summer. I love nothing more than releasing the next record that takes people to the dance floor. It’s fitting that the new single is sky rocketing up the charts at the start of 2008. The message for the New Year is that love is the boss.

GLT: How did you feel when you first heard you had the No. 1 dance track in the USA?

KW: I had just come back to the U.S. from recording in the U.K. I was performing with my dancers and band at the Las Vegas Hilton. I remember the entertainment director running towards me while I was rehearsing on stage, screaming, “You have the No. 1 record in the country!” It was surreal and exciting.

GLT: It was a different time in music back then – before the digital era – back when people actually bought CDs. How many albums did that first single sell?

KW: Well, I’m sure I’ll never find that out (laughs). The labels aren’t always very honest with their reporting of sales. I’m sure it was probably in the six figures worldwide.

GLT: How does that compare with the albums you sell today?

KW: All artists sell less albums now than we did in the past. That’s just the reality. Of course, the sharing of files is the cause. However, now that the genie is out of the bottle, labels and artists are all going to have to embrace technology and figure out a way to monetize our music so that we can stay in the game. We are now challenged to not only be artists, but to be technologically savvy marketing agents. It’s a new playing field.

GLT: Is it true you are taking charge of your career and finding opportunity through technology?

KW: While the Internet has taken away a large portion of our sales, it has also given artists the freedom to work with talent from all over the world. I can lay down a track in Los Angeles and then send the file to Italy for my keyboardist to add his part. It’s really amazing.

GLT: What tips can you give an artist on developing a commerce site like www.kristinew.com?

KW: Besides “get your wallet out”? (Laughs) I would suggest saving pictures and videos from your shows, compiling relevant information about yourself as an artist and making your music easily accessible to your fans.

GLT: Is your new record, “The Boss,” destined to be your eleventh No. 1?

KW: “The Boss” is one of those records that I used to sing when I was a kid. It’s so fun for me to be able to put my own twist on this record. We’ve put a lot of love into this single so I sure hope it reaches No. 1.

GLT: Is there a reason you chose to release “The Boss” now? Is it a message to your fans and the music industry to let them know you are still the queen of the dance floor?

KW: No, not really. But hey, it makes some sense. I think maybe the man upstairs may have played some part in the track being released now. He is the one with the plan. I just try to roll with it.

Visit www.kristinew.com for additional information.