Kate Voegele's new album, A Fine Mess, hits stores this Monday, May 18, and J-14 talked to the actress/singer about One Tree Hill, her new record, and more as she chilled at a coffee house in Wilmington, NC!

J-14: What was it like appearing on One Tree Hill?
Kate: I never set out to be an actress, but it's been the most unbelievable thing for my music. It's been an amazing experience. Everybody is extremely welcoming and cool. All my fans always want to know about the cast and they are the coolest people ever. I was so pleasantly surprised by it because I came in during the fifth season and I figured, "Oh my gosh, these people have been working together forever," -- but they're the greatest people. They've helped me out so much -- giving the music such incredible leverage. It's really an awesome experience.

J-14: What's it like to hear your music on the show?
Kate: It's really exciting! What's amazing about this season is they are featuring a ton of songs off of the new record.

J-14: Can you pick a fave song out of all the tunes onA Fine Mess?
Kate: My favorite song off of the new record is the first single, "99 Times." It's a driving rock song that I wrote when we were 75 percent done with the record. I came in and I was like, "I have this song, what do you guys think?" We decided to put it on the album, and it turned out to be the first single. It's my favorite because it came out of nowhere. It's one of those driving songs about finding out that someone was lying to you in a relationship. It's a girl power song. It's fun, and I can't wait to get out there and play it.

J-14: Do you prefer singing or acting?
Kate: Singing will always be my main thing. My record is always my first priority, but what's been so cool about acting is that it's tied into my singing. One Tree Hill has been such an incredible experience because it's allowed me to do both. I haven't had to give up my singing, it's only enhanced it. I really enjoy acting, and I think I'm just somebody who loves anything that has to do with artistic expression.

Photo Courtesy of Brian Bouter Smith/Interscope