Jessie JamesShe’s worked with some of the biggest songwriters in Nashville, contributed a song to the soundtrack of a hit movie and was personally sought out for collaboration by none other than Katy Perry – all before releasing her first album.

Clearly, Jessie James is not your average “new artist.” “I’ve been performing on stage since I was 9 years old,” the singer-songwriter, now 21, tells andPOP. “So it’s definitely something I’m used to. . . . I’ve been doing this forever.”

It’s all coming to a head with the impending release of James’s debut album via Mercury Records/Island Def Jam. Due in stores July 14, the album is a genre-hopping fusion of country, pop, rock and soul, driven by James’ powerhouse vocals. Lead single “Wanted” (co-written by “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi) is already playing on more than 60 stations across the U.S., and its music video was featured by iTunes as a “Video of the Week” last month.

READ MORE »