Singer-songwriter Jeannie Ortega is currently working on a new Christian album in Nashville. The 27 year-old Brooklyn native started her career at the young age of 16, signing on with Hollywood Records. Her single "Crowded" was in the top 25 Billboard Top 100 and her album No Place like Brooklyn debuted at No. 1 on the Heat Seekers chart. Her pop career would expand into acting on the drama "One Life to Live," teen dance film "Step Up," and her first major role in an independent film, "Indelible."

In 2010, she openly shared her testimony and how her faith in God has transformed her on Christian network TBN. She independently released her inspirational sophomore album, Perfect Love in 2012.

BreatheCast spoke to Ortega on the phone about her current album, and about future projects she would like to do.

She described her next album as a pop album, with a sound like Pink or Kelly Clarkson, something in vein of "Francesca Battistelli meets Mandisa."

Ortega has always been proud of being a Puerto Rican from Brooklyn and her music has always reflected that about her. Now recording in Nashville, it is such a different place to write music compared to that of her native New York. She portrayed Nashville as a family and community oriented place where music is the focus. Musicians write organically and genuinely, "Then they go back home to have family dinner." In New York it is very cut throat and you are always on your guard she explained, "Someone is always out to get you and you have to hold your purse." She described how that is reflected in the creative process. In New York, everyone is so willing to fight for their career songwriting is very strategic and formulaic. She laughed as she explained the differences between the two cities and praised both styles.

The themes of her songs have always been taken from her own life experiences. Ortega truly wanted anyone, no matter if they are a Christian or not, to be able to relate to the humanity of her songs. She invited the listener to her own growth in Christ and struggles. Each song is either her own personal testimony or based in the human experience.

Ortega shared with us a bit about her life, especially how no one prepares teens for their twenties. She encouraged everyone to come to terms with who they are in Christ. People in their twenties are constantly searching for any form of direction which could lead us to damage and heartache, but we should constantly seek God. Her advice was heartfelt and yet simple, "use the gift God has given you the way He wants you to; and for everybody that is different."

As she talked about her current work, she was so excited to talk about how she would love to do a worship album in the future. At heart, Ortega is a worship leader. She starts her concerts with worship to prepare the hearts of her audience. She would go onto explain how the difference between Contemporary Christian music and worship. CCM is sharing God with your audience and worship is an exchange, a direct connection to God.

Ortega will be performing in Central Park New York City on May 4 as part of K-Love's Arise New York event. After this event the singer will be buckling down, and working on recording her album.

For more info on Jeannie Ortega, be sure to check out her website. http://www.jeannieo.com/