One Tree Hill fans know Jana Kramer as Alex Dupré, a troubled starlet turned country music superstar. Much like her character on the small screen, Kramer is rising to stardom for her smooth vocals and relatable lyrics. Her self-titled debut album, which dropped last year, earned her critical praise and an ACM Award for top new female artist. Today, the 29-year-old actress and singer is off promoting her movie, Heart of the Country, and touring with country star Blake Shelton. We caught up with Kramer to talk music, Blake, and what you’ll catch her in next.
BettyConfidential: What draws you to country music?
Jana Kramer: The story that you’re able to tell with each performance.
BC: We caught your new radio single, I Hope It Rains. What does the song mean to you?
JK: That song for me is just about sweet revenge and not wanting to hurt someone terribly but just to make their day really crappy.
BC: Do you have a favorite song from your debut album?
JK: Probably Good As You Were Bad. It’s just one of those songs, you know? The lyrics just touched me.
BC: What was it like opening for Blake Shelton last month? Did he give you any career advice?
JK: Blake Shelton is fantastic! He’s super friendly, he’s an amazing entertainer, and he knows how to engage the crowd. Blake told me to go out there and have fun and encouraged me to keep going and believe in myself.
BC: Have you had any crazy fan experiences?
JK: No! Country fans are fantastic. They’re very loyal and very sweet and they’re great people. They’re the best fans out there, I think.
BC: We know you recently starred in Heart of the Country. What do you hope viewers take away from it?
JK: Heart of the Country is a smaller film, but for me it’s just a really special film. It’s a touching love story and explores the relationship between a father and his daughter. My character struggles along the way, but it has a good outcome. For me, the best movies are ones where you can feel a bunch of emotions. I want viewers to laugh and I want them to cry, I want them to feel emotions.
BC: We love your style! Can you tell us about some of the trends you’re into right now?
JK: For me it’s comfy and casual. I love my jeans, dresses, and tees. When I’m comfortable in my clothes, I feel good.
BC: Which beauty product can you not live without?
JK: I’m really bad with my makeup! My makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan has taught me everything I know. But for me, it’s my mascara. I can’t leave the house without it.
BC: If you weren’t doing country music, what would you do and why?
JK: I would probably go back to school for psychology. Actually, I’m going to eventually go back to school for that because I think it’s fascinating.
BC: What’s up next for you?
JK: I’ll be touring with Blake until the beginning of October and then I’ll start up my own stuff again after that. I’m going to keep on recording and get ready for the second album.
Diana Denza is BettyConfidential’s contributing editor.
