10 Questions with ... Jaida Dreyer

1) You are releasing your single "Half Broke Horses" to Country radio. Why have you chosen this for your next single?

I chose "Half Broke Horses" as my next single because I wanted to give fans a realistic glimpse into my past, where I came from, and the things that have molded me into the person I am today. I believe Country fans appreciate honest music from the heart.

2) You came to Nashville to be a songwriter. How did you decide you wanted to take the next step and perform as well?

Although I have always loved to sing, I never really considered myself a "singer". Knowing my voice was unique, I guess it was a confidence thing early on. It was the writers I initially worked with (Billy Crain, Robin Lee Bruce), that helped me believe in myself and understand that "unique" was a good thing.

3) Who have been some of your biggest musical influences?

Dolly Parton, Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, Loretta Lynn.

4) How would your family and friends describe you?

Tenacious. Driven. Crazy.

5) What are some of your passions besides music?

Trucks, Texas, horses, hockey, hockey players, guitars, zombies, sarcasm, retro culture, Tito's vodka, Mexican food, The Grand Ole Opry, Country music history, Starbucks, the desert, cactus, vinyl records, unicorns, dreamcatchers.

6) You've moved around quite a bit growing up. What is the most interesting town you have called home, and what do you miss about it?

There was something interesting about each place. I learned at a young age that it's not about where you are, it's about the people you meet. Funny thing is, they are different, yet the same, everywhere you go.

7) What experiences most influence the songs you write?

I deal with issues in my life, usually concerning love, by writing them out. You can write a lot of records on one broken heart.

8) You were a "pro" in the Horse Showing world at age 13. What made you want to shift your career from horses to music?

Leaving the horses wasn't a choice I consciously made, it was really made for me. The years of riding and physical labor had taken a toll on my back when I was 17. I had to re-evaluate my life plan. It was either find another profession, or face serious health consequences. Shifting my path to writing songs was an easy one because it was the only other thing that I knew how to do.

9) What is a song that you wish you would have written?

This changes for me on a daily basis. Today I'll say, "I Will Always Love You" - Dolly Parton.

10) What can we expect from your new record "I Am Jaida Dreyer?"

I wrote or co-wrote everything on the record. It's nostalgic, but at the same time modern. I think it's an overall solid representation of me and where I am at in my life right now.

1) What a guilty-pleasure TV show of yours?

Toddlers & Tiaras

2) What type of music are you listening to right now, and what are some of your favorite songs?

I'm on an old-school Linda Ronstadt kick right now. I've also been bumping Jessie Baylin's "Little Spark" record and Corb Lund's "Cabin Fever."

3) If you could trade lives with anyone for 24 hours, who would it be and why?

I like this life just fine.