I think being a Texan - we sort of have that extra fire in us as a breed. I just felt like from day one I had something to say and I wanted to make sure people heard me, and it's worked.

If you are a young girl who wants to be a country singer, just don't try to do it too early. Be a high school kid, be a cheerleader, do your thing. And also, just know who you are; know what you want to say and stick with it throughout.

When I got a record deal I said, 'I'm only wearing jeans. I'm not wearing frilly dresses.' Dancing around in sequins is just not who I am. I wanted to be heard, not seen.

There's been a shift: Country music is popular music now. Every other genre wants to come over to our land.

Music was the first thing I did where I was naturally talented.

Country music is different because we [musicians] are all actually happy for each other. We're all friends. It's a little family. So if you don't win [an award], usually one of your friends does. So it's kind of a cool thing. I think it's the only genre of music to have that camaraderie.

I don't really do acting. I've done a little bit - enough to know I'll stick to what I know. Music is my thing.