Jennette McCurdy released her first EP, Not That Far Away, on August 17, and J-14 talked to the iCarly star about why she went into country music, her favorite song on the album, and why she can't wait for you to see upcoming episodes of iCarly that feature some huge guest stars (Glee's Jane Lynch and Victoria Justice, anyone?).
J-14: Which song off Not That Far Away is the most personal to you?
Jennette McCurdy: "Stronger" relates to me on so many different levels, from my mother's ongoing battle with cancer to my own personal day-to-day stresses. I hope it can stand as a sort of go-to song for people wanting to know that others have been through whatever they're going through and have felt what they have felt. It's a song that lets you know you're not alone.
J-14: How did you come up with the concept for the "Not That Far Away" music video?
Jennette: I wanted something really straightforward, considering the song is pretty self-explanatory on its own. I didn't wanna be flying through the sky on a pogostick or anything like that. Just simple, real, and honest.
J-14: What was the toughest part about going to Nashville?
Jennette: The toughest part of being anywhere for an extended length of time is adjusting, to everything from weather (I was there in sweltering heat and heavy snow) to the roads (there are a lot of one-way streets). I was there for a total of about eight months and am consistently traveling back there to stay involved. The community is wonderful, though -- everyone's like a part of your family in Nashville. You run into people you know everywhere you go.
J-14: How do you react to people who are surprised you went the country music route?
Jennette: I don't blame them for being surprised, as I'd probably be surprised as well. Though I love all genres of music, I feel that country is the format that allows me to really represent my musical perspective to the best of my ability.
J-14: Do you want to continue to act and sing or are you focusing solely on music now?
Jennette: I want to act till I'm old and gray, in a rocking chair, hooked up to a breathing tube. Considering I'm not there yet, I'll definitely be continuing to act along with pursuing my musical career.
J-14: What can fans look forward to on upcoming episodes of iCarly?
Jennette: Jane Lynch played my mom! It was awesome to work with such a legend. Jack Black guest starred in an episode as well, and I've been a huge, long-time fan of his. We also have a huge crossover movie with Victorious and I'm good friends with several of those cast members, so I can't wait for that.
Check out Jennette's "Not That Far Away" music video here:
