Heather Stewart is enchanting, genuine, powerful, and (most importantly) grounded.

Formerly a producer for E!’s Talk Soup, something about working behind the scenes didn’t feel right. This drive to be in front of the camera eventually led Ms. Stewart to resign as television producer.

After Talk Soup she hit the ground running with the Inda Eaton Band as background vocalist where she opened for the likes of Hootie & The Blowfish, LeAnn Rimes, and Blues Travelers.

On that tour she not only learned how to empty the sewage on the motor home but, that performing is about connecting with your audience and bringing them along for the ride.

In 2008 she independently released Life of the Party which landed her songs in shows such as Men in Trees and films Young and Single and Angry.

Her upcoming sophmore effort, What It IS, was produced by Greg Critchley and mastered by Robert Vosgien at Capitol Studios and Mastering.

“Greg Critchley and I wanted a very raw and organic vibe for this album, which is why we chose to record everything ‘live off the floor,’” she says.

It was recorded at legendary Los Angeles studios Sound Factory and Sunset Sound.

“I wanted to record some place where I could soak up the magic of music legends. You become a little better and are challenged to be better, just by being there.”

The majority of this album was written after the death of Heather’s father. Obviously this event influenced the album.

“Music to me serves such a dual purpose, emotional catharsis and escape,” she says. “I wanted these songs to capture the rush and multitude of what I was experiencing, from ‘Life is so f*cking short so I better make my mark,’ to ‘What the hell is this all about,’ to ‘Oh yeah, love!’”

This record feels like a melodic conversation with Heather. Together, performer and listener explore the human condition. It’s good, it’s bad, it’s not easy but in the end – this is life.

Heather is conscious, soulful, and courageous. The average listener can relate to her and somewhere between tracks 1 and 11 you find yourself falling in love with What It IS.

Then when it ends, you’ll press play again.

The album will be available October 8, 2013 but you can connect with Heather on Facebook or Twitter.