10 Questions with ... Amber Hayes

1.) After high school you decided to make the move to Nashville from a small town in Oklahoma. Why did you chose Music City?

I've always loved Country music and wanted to be a Country artist. After I visited Nashville at 15 years old to sing as a guest of Jean Shepard's on the Midnite Jamboree, I knew then I was moving to Nashville as soon as I could!

2.) You self-produced and served as co-writer for every song on your "C'mon" EP. That's a lot of hats to wear! How did you manage to take that on?

I'm thankful I got to be involved in the creative process. I was touring with the Conway Twitty Musical while working on the EP, so I just wrote songs and recorded them as I had time off on the tour.

3.) As a co-writer for your current single, "Wait" tell us how the story behind the lyrics.

The idea behind "Wait" is really about that moment when someone catches your eye in line at the grocery store or the coffee shop. It's that dilemma of trying to decide whether to say hi or just go on about your day. But wait - what if you are missing out on meeting someone special? I think it's an experience that most of us have had at one time or another, and it just kind of came out in this song.

4.) Your bio said you're a huge Reba fan. What was special that you remember from your first Reba concert?

I remember the sparkly red dress she wore to sing "Fancy" and her riding up to the stage in a taxi - the enormity of the production of her concert! I sat there thinking she is from small town Oklahoma just like me. I can do this!

5.) Congrats on landing your first movie role in the feature film "Cowgirls N' Angels!" How did you become involved with the project?

Steven Goldmann, who directed my video for "Wait", told me about "Cowgirls N' Angels." The producers heard my EP and wanted to use some of my songs in the movie. I then had an opportunity to meet with them and they decided to cast me as Amber Grant.

6.) Would you say you found musical inspiration from your role as Conway Twitty's daughter in the musical production, "Only Make Believe?"

Yes, how can you not be inspired by Conway Twitty's music and his amazing career? He was a great singer, who wrote several of his own hits, and had longevity in this business that most people just dream about. The musical will always be a highlight of my career!

7.) Growing up who were your musical influences, and are there any current musicians who inspire you?

I LOVED Barbara Mandrell. I would jump on my bed and dance and sing to "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed". Dolly is another one that I really listen closely to, and soak in what she says and does. She's a great songwriter, smart business woman, and the ultimate entertainer. And growing up in rural Oklahoma, I of course, was inspired by Reba. I'm still inspired by her every day.

8.) "Home" is described as your favorite song on "C'mon." Why is that?

I'm very close to my family and it's hard for me to be away from them. I talk to my Grandma every day and get the latest news about what's going on in our hometown. Oklahoma will always be "Home" to me, and that song makes me think about spending time with my family.

9.) You were selected as a finalist for Disney's "The Mickey Mouse Club" alongside Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears when you were younger. Why did you choose not to pursue that path?

I was going to have to move to Orlando and as a family we decided it was just best to keep us all together in Oklahoma. It was a good decision because it allowed me to continue to pursue my interest in Country music.

10.) You have done so much already, what's up next for you that you're most excited about?

I'm really excited about going to Sweden and Japan in the next couple of months. I am getting to perform at some Country music festivals over there. I've heard they are big Country music fans and I can't wait to meet them and see the sights!

1.) If you could choose to be on any reality show, which would it be?

I love "Dancing With the Stars" because it takes performers/athletes/stars out of their element. I think it would be so much fun!

2.) Have you ever been star-struck, if so who?

I was invited to a party where I got to meet Barbara Mandrell. It was surreal to get to meet one of my biggest influences. I have a framed picture hanging in my house that was taken that day of me and the Mandrell sisters.

3.) If you could tour anywhere in the world, where would you kick-off your first show?

I'd love to kick off a big tour in my hometown, Weleetka, OK. - that way my 95 year old great-grandma "Nannie" could be on the front row!