By Michael Swanger michael@dmcityview.com

from deep in the heart of Texas Miranda Lambert likes her country music straight up and strong

From Bob Wills and Ernest Tubb to Willie Nelson and George Strait to Jerry Jeff Walker and Guy Clark, Texas has provided Nashville's Music Row with more talent than any other state. And after a whirlwind year that saw her star rocket through the mainstream country music stratosphere, you can add Miranda Lambert's name to that long list.

Like most Texans, Lambert is known for being forthright and bold - characteristics that define her music, too. "Kerosene," her first album for Sony Nashville, is equal parts Southern Rock and traditional twang. It debuted as Billboard's top country record last March, spawned three singles and helped Lambert earn a coveted Country Music Association Horizon Award nomination, the Academy of Country Music's Fresh Face Cover Girl of 2005 award and a live performance on the Country Music Television Music Awards.

Not bad credentials for a 22-year-old who grew up in the small Texas town of Lindale, population 2,500. Located 80 miles east of Dallas, it's the kind of town where high school football rules fall Friday nights and folks sit on their front porches playing music. Or at least the Lamberts did.

It was Lambert's father, Rick, a local country music performer and songwriter who introduced his daughter to country music, though she didn't show any interest in performing until she was a teenager. At the age of 16 she secured her first guitar and began writing country songs. A year later, she was fronting her own band, Texas Pride, and recording an independent album while still in high school.

Following graduation, Lambert spent the next year touring her home state, placing two songs from her album on the Texas music charts. But the rest of the world, including the brass in Nashville, got its first glimpse of Lambert in 2003 when she beat out thousands of contestants to become one of three finalists in the nationally televised "Nashville Star" competition, which unlike "American Idol" favors singer-songwriters. By the time it was revealed that summer that she finished third in the competition, "Ran" (as she often is referred to) had already moved to Nashville and signed with Sony.

Lambert's rising star, country-rock sound and youthful good looks have made her an overnight success in Nashville, but what sets her apart from other female singers is her ability to write her own material and play guitar. "Kerosene" includes six songs penned by Lambert, as well as five others she co-wrote (including two with her father). Last fall, she opened for Keith Urban on the Australian's Alive in '05 Tour and she kicks off 2006 as the opening act for George Strait, who has sold more than 67 million albums and racked up a record 51 No. 1 hits and 25 No. 1 albums.

Cityview spoke with Lambert and asked the young country music superstar about her influences, her success and her goals.

How did "Nashville Star" help you become a country music star?

Ran: It helped me define myself to my audience. I felt like it was a nine-week audition for the fans as well as the industry. Thankfully, they both liked what they saw enough to jump onboard.

Who were your influences while growing up in Lindale, Texas?

Ran: My musical influences are definitely songwriters as well as performers: Merle Haggard, Jack Ingram, Alison Moorer, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette. I think they strike a chord with me because they are songwriters. My dad is a writer, as well, and I grew up listening to great lyrics. Those writers who have great lyrics touched me most deeply and made the biggest impact on me.

What advice would you give to aspiring country music singers?

Ran: If you truly believe the music industry is your calling, sing everywhere and anywhere you can. If it's meant to be, someone, somewhere in the right position will hear you.

What milestones have you reached early in your career?

Ran: Wow, there have been so many of those already! "Kerosene" debuting at No. 1, Horizon Award Nominee, "Leno" and the "Today Show," and performing on the CMAs. At this point in my career every step is a milestone. I still get excited about even the small things. Four years ago, I remember sitting in my parents' living room watching the CMAs with them and saying, "In four years I want to be nominated for a Horizon Award," and here I am four years later with one Horizon Award nomination under my belt.

There is a lot of celebrity that comes with being a pop-country singer. How do you handle it?

Ran: My family really keeps me grounded. When you break it down, I don't consider myself a "celebrity." I'm just a country girl from Lindale, Texas, who is lucky enough to get paid for doing what she loves. If my parents don't remind me of that often enough my little brother makes sure I "get it."

What can fans expect from the new album you began recording last month? And when will it be released?

Ran: Well, after cutting five tracks for the second album I think fans can expect even more of "me" to show. The songs (so far) are even more soul-bearing and raw. I feel more confidant in who I am as a writer and performer. Considering that country fans liked what they heard on the first album, I'm going to give them even more. I don't have any idea when we will finish or release it. Right now, I'm just focusing on touring and promoting "Kerosene."

What's the best part about touring with George Strait?

Ran: Everything about touring with George Strait is the best part. He's from my home state, he's amazing, he's a legend and I'm honored that he's taking a chance on me.

What are your goals for 2006?

Ran: Platinum! Really, I try not to set long-term goals. I'm sort of a short-term goal setter. An example is I want every show to be better than the last. I want to sing and write better today than I did yesterday. I want to be in better shape by next month, etc. The way I look at things is a lot like I write, a lot of little pictures rather than one big one. My long, long-term goal, though, is to have a Dolly Parton career. CV

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