Kate Voegele has just signed to MySpace's record label and launched her latest disc, Don't Look Away. We sat down to chat about both with the up-and-coming star.

You recently signed to MySpace Records and have since released your third album. What was it like to land this recording deal?
Signing with MySpace was such a cool experience for me. I basically got hooked up with them when Tom (yes, "the" Tom who is everyone's first friend) *laughs* sent me a message asking if I was signed yet. I was talking to labels, but nothing was signed at the time, so I responded even though I thought it was a fake message. I mean does Tom really even exist, let alone go on MySpace and send messages to random people? But sure enough, it was totally legitimate, and the next week I was out in LA meeting and showcasing for him. I was offered the record deal a few weeks later after showcasing for their partner, Interscope Records, and signed in the fall when I made the record. I was so excited because from the start I knew MySpace Records was different than other labels I'd been to. I felt immediately comfortable and I could tell I would be given a lot of artistic freedom there.

What do you think MySpace has done for independent artists?
I think MySpace has made a tremendous impact on the ability of artists to succeed independently. The fact that people can post their own music for free and add friends who can turn into fans for free also has seemingly revolutionized self-promotion. I think it's so great that artists can use a tool like MySpace to get themselves out there without the resources of a label. It's a great springboard for anyone trying to get noticed.

Can you tell us a little bit about what kind of music is on your new album, Don't Look Away?
Don't Look Away is a pop record, but it goes a lot deeper than the implication of the word "pop." The music has an acoustic rock feel to it, and the songs are all unique. It's not one of those records where every single song sounds the same and I wanted to make sure it didn't turn out that way. The lyrics are also not what you'd typically find on a young girl's record. They aren't predictable and they have a lot of depth to them. I wanted to make a record of music that was catchy and infectious to listen to but that also really had something to say that everyone could relate to in some way or another.

How is the new album different from your past EPs?
The songs that are on the new album are more developed from a songwriting and production standpoint I think. My songwriting has really grown and developed over the last few years, and I think that's very evident when you compare this record to past EPs. I think the instrumentation and production is also more sophisticated in certain songs, which really adds a lot.

Who has been the coolest person you've worked with so far in your career?
I had the chance to open for a bunch of really amazing artists at Farm Aid two years in a row. I got to play on the same bill as Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, John Mayer, Emmylou Harris, Wilco. The list was insane. I love all of these artists and it was so awesome meeting them and playing the show on the same stage! Those are probably some of my favorite people I've played with so far.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I think more than anyone, I would love to collaborate with Patty Griffin. She's an unbelievable songwriter and artist, and she always blows me away with her music. Co-writing or collaborating with her would be incredible!

What music did you listen to growing up?
I listened to a lot of stuff my parents were listening to like Carole King, James Taylor, Eric Clapton and Joni Mitchell - all amazingly talented and classic songwriters who I think really influenced my desire to do music and my writing style.

What do you currently have playing on your iPod?
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger; Mindy Smith - Long Island Shores; Jon McLaughlin - Indiana; Wilco - Sky Blue Sky... all amazing records by some of my favorite artists!

You were attending college in Ohio, but left to focus on your music career. Do you see yourself ever going back?
I definitely want to go back to school at some point. I would love to get a degree in fine arts someday. I don't know if it will be at Miami or Ohio or not, and I have no idea when I'll want to go back, but at some point I'll definitely get back into it just to do something different for awhile.

You have a song on the Kyle XY soundtrack - what are your thoughts on the show?
Kyle XY is a great show! It's really suspenseful and different from a lot of stuff that's on TV. It keeps you interested. I think those sci-fi shows can be really fun to get into sometimes. I can definitely see how you could get hooked!

Do you have ambitions to act?
I definitely would love to get into acting at some point, but I definitely see myself primarily as a musician. If the right role came along, I'd love to look into it, but I definitely want to break into the entertainment scene first and foremost as a musician.

What is your favorite movie?
Almost Famous.

Favorite TV show?
The Office: Funniest. Show. Ever.

What is the one item you never leave home without?
My camera. I HAVE to have great pictures from every adventure I go on!