(CSC) 1. You’ve finally released new material on an album that is titled, “Unmistakable: Love.” Please tell us about this collection of music!

(Jo Dee Messina)

Well we had originally cut twenty two sides for the Unmistakable album and we thought it would be interesting to release the album in three segments each being themed and this one is mostly positive love songs. (Laughs)

(CSC) 2. Can you explain the decision behind making a trilogy of music that will be released later this year?

(Jo Dee Messina)

Having initially cut twenty two sides the label thought that it would be more beneficial to break it up into three segments so that way we would be able to get all the music out instead of just ten or eleven sides on just one album and then tossing the rest away. It is a way to be able to get all the material out.  

(CSC) 3. What do you enjoy most about motherhood and how is your son Noah these days?

(Jo Dee Messina)

He’s doing really well; he’s walking everywhere. Being with my family is the best. Just being at home with my husband and my son is awesome. (Laughs)

(CSC) 4. With the unfortunate turn of events most recently in Nashville, how have you found a way to personally contribute to the victims of the devastating floods?

(Jo Dee Messina)

There are a lot of benefit concerts taking place. On my podcast we had the telethon on that was happening here in Nashville so people could call up and donate money via the podcast. The water has receded, now it’s just the clean up. If you’re seeing the news it’s probably shot from the first day of the floods. I think people think we’re still under water because they keep showing on the national news the shots from the first day or two. We will come together in time for CMA Fest. It’s a big event for this town and people are working hard to get everything into place for our city.    

(CSC) 5. Tell us about your weekly internet podcast show “Make Something Of It.” Where did your initial idea to create it begin?

(Jo Dee Messina)

That was for April, for the release of the album that came out so we could connect with the fans. It went over so well that we decided to continue it into the month of May. It takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm CST so the people on the West Coast can get home. It can be found on my website and it is free! 

(CSC) 6. You’ve hit the road on an intimate tour based on the music room in your home. What has it been like for you being able to showcase your most private moments as a singer/songwriter with your fans firsthand?

(Jo Dee Messina)

Well it is a lot of fun; the show has a lot of audience interaction. Those shows last anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours long; it’s fun. It’s a chance to visit with the fans and hang out for the evening. We are continuing it this summer because it has gone over so well with the fans. 

(CSC) 7. Being one of the very first females to hit the scene in the era of 90’s country music, what is your take on the current direction of the industry as it stands?

(Jo Dee Messina)

I think the industry always kind of goes through a more traditional stage and then it goes through that kind of more polished stage. It’s just taking its run around the track right now. Country music and country radio are constantly evolving.

(CSC) 8. Being from Italian decent, how has your heritage shaped you as a person and one of the very few in Country Music to say the least?

(Jo Dee Messina)

(Laughs) I think big Italian families are really close and I think that it teaches you to put your family first which help keep your sanity for the most part.

(Country Stars Central)

Do you enjoy cooking any authentic dishes?

(Jo Dee Messina)

My sister in law is from Italy I let her do that. (Laughs) Like with homemade pasta, I don’t want to take the time to roll the noodles, let her do it I’ll just eat it. (Laughs)

(CSC) 9. What expectations do you have for the upcoming (June 12th, 2010) St. Jude Music Fest Road Race that you’re a part of taking place during CMA Fest this year?

(Jo Dee Messina)

Ahhhh! I want to run it in thirty two minutes but I don’t know if I can; it will take some pushing. We’re getting a lot of the running community here in Nashville involved and I hope the fans join us. I know when a lot of folks come to town for CMA Music Fest they’re not coming to go running. (Laughs) They want to see the music and enjoy their time in town instead of sweating it out. A bunch of my fans are getting together and they’re making a team and they’ll be running in it. I just hope we have a good turnout because St. Jude’s is a really important cause. 

(CSC) 10. If you had the opportunity to spend the day with any living person who is a celebrity, who would it be and why?

(Jo Dee Messina)

James Taylor; maybe the coolness would rub off. (Laughs)

(CSC) 11. Moving forward, what are your plans for the rest of 2010 and what do you aspire to achieve professionally?

(Jo Dee Messina)

We are our on tour, and I’m hoping that at some point I’ll be able to start working on new music and be able to see the release of the next two albums on the Unmistakable trilogy.

For more on Jo Dee Messina: http://www.JoDeeMessina.com