YN - Well, I always knew modeling was something I would make a living at until I chose to move on it's been great! I've had the opportunity to travel the world, meet lots of great people and work when I want to work. In a sense, it's kind of groomed me and gotten me used to being in front of the camera for music. After all, it's all entertainment. But can I compare it to the passion I have for music? Absolutely not. Making the switch into music started off slow about four years ago with constant vocal lessons to get my voice back in shape. But about three years ago, I was meditating (sitting in my car in my garage) and feeling kind of lost. I started asking God for guidance with my life professionally. Next thing I know I went upstairs and there happened to be my music engineer friend over and I look at him and asked if he would put me on the mic. From that point on I've lived, breathed and slept music. It's weird but with music, it's always felt like someone up there's been steering me toward it and with the passion I have inside I'm not stopping until I achieve what I want. And I can't ever see it ending. 

Q - Why did you choose a country sound?  What would you consider your personal singing style? 

YN - I chose country because it's what I love and it feels real to me. As far as my style - unlike anything else, with my singing I'm not thinking, I'm being….it's real. It's just an extension of my inner self. 

YN - I think it's interesting, especially considering I've never really followed her style. I don't own any of her music. I guess I'd have to say I'm flattered. Her career is one of the longest lasting in history. She's had a hit in every decade since she began entertaining. 

Q - Will you continue to pursue acting? 

YN - Yes, but the difference now is that I'm considering my acting career as a art of my own music career - my acting will work hand in hand with my music as a means to greater exposure. Besides the way I see it, all of the biggest successes in the music world inevitably crossover into acting at some point in their careers, I'll just do it earlier. I guess that's when they go from "singer" to "entertainer". 

Q - How does singing/performing in front of a crowd feel? 

YN - In one word, it feels like "home". I know there's always room for improvement which comes with experience - which is one of the challenges I love about music. But the truth is it's a total rush. 

Q - When will you and your band start touring clubs? 

YN - Sometime this year - I'm putting it all together right now, but everyone will know about it first here in my website's upcoming Touring section. 

Q - Are there any places in particular where you would like to perform? 

YN - No, I want to play it all - from small clubs to arenas and festivals. But I prefer playing to larger audiences. 

Q - What will you do with Cheyenne and your other "babies" when you and Matt are both touring? 

YN - Whenever possible, they'll go with us, especially Cheyenne. We raised her to be comfortable on the road. Our other babies will stay at grandma's and grandpa's "Summer Camp" until we get back. Our one rule is no kennels, EVER. 

Q - Will you be spending more time in Nashville? 

YN - Yes, definitely - a lot of my first upcoming shows will be based in and around Nashville as well as all my recording. 

Q - What was your musical start?  We're you exposed to it at an early age or were you raised in a musical family? 

YN - My parents always had music playing in the house, in particular country or early rock and roll. My mom always said I was born singing, I used to lay in my crib and sing myself to sleep and wake up singing. As far as a musical start I always sang in school, church and also started a band with some neighborhood kids for fun when I was 8. 

Q - Do you play any instruments? 

YN - I played flute as a kid, but these days I'm sticking to guitar. 

Q - Who are your influences/inspirations? 

YN - I have lots of influences, but the most important ones are Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, the Everly Brothers and Martina McBride. 

Q - What songwriters have you been working with?  Do you write songs as well? 

YN - I've been incredibly blessed to have met and befriended some of Nashville's top writers like Gary Burr, Victoria Shaw and Steven McClintock. They've very generously provided me with songs for my first album. As far as writing myself, no, not right now. But I plan to in the future, right now my plate's pretty full. 

Q -  How do you choose the songs you sing? 

YN - I go by my gut, if it feels right and it's something I want to express…I sing it. 

Q - Overall, how are you feeling about your first album?   What is your favorite song on it? 

YN - I'm really proud of it, I have a wonderful team behind me. It's honest and I think it shows that a lot of time, energy and love was put into it. I think it sounds fantastic. As far as a favorite, it depends on the day. I guess that's how I knew I had a great collection of songs - every day I have a new favorite. 

Q - Are there any songs that you would have liked to have included on the album but didn't? 

YN - No, I have no regrets - but I'm starting to get ideas for my second album. I guess I better slow down a little. 

Q - What kind of feedback are you getting from record labels?  Are any "biting"? 

YN - Yes, but I'm still in the early stages of shopping it. But in the meantime I'm making sure my fans get it early and don't have to wait for a major label deal. 

Q - How involved will you be with your new website? 

YN - Very involved, I plan on constantly updating and improving my site. 

Q - When will your debut CD be released and  will it be available on the Internet? 

YN - The album will be released by the middle of February and will be available at first exclusively on my website at www.yvettenelson.net.