This is a big week for Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys Nashville cast member Sherrie Austin. Her first album in over eight years, titled Circus Girl, is out today. She will be performing in New York this week with costar Shane, and their first music video will be premiering online. This will all lead up to the premiere of Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys Nashville on November 18 at 9PM on Sundance. I had quick phone chat with Sherrie and here’s what went down.

Me: Why eight years since your last album?

Her: I was burned out and needed a breather. I wanted time to write songs and not be in the spotlight. I wanted to write for other artists like Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, and others. I then went off to Broadway for a year.

More after the jump

Me: What is it like to release this album independently?

Her: It is like walking the wire without a net. There is a lot of good and bad. All the decisions are left up to you.

Me: Why Circus Girl?

Her: My life growing up was my family in a caravan traveling to every country music festival I could perform in. I guess we have gypsy in our blood. For a while I felt like the circus had left town. Then I found it again in cyberspace. The internet has changed everything and now I can connect directly with fans.

Me: Any plans to tour?

Her: I plan on doing a lot of shows next year. Festivals, honky tonks, casinos, wherever they will put up the big top.

Me: What can you tell us about your experience on GWLB?

Her: I am anticipating the premiere. I am excited about it. I have not seen it yet. This was a whole new experience for me. I had done TV in the past but never reality. It was kinda tough because it goes against the instinct of never let them see you sweat.

Me: Your first acting experience was on the Facts of Life. How was that?

Her: It was a bit of a culture shock I came from a very green small town called townsville. My day was a house painter and my mother a cook for the army. We were the real Beverly Hill Billies. That actually would have been a good reality tv show.

Me: Anything else you want to share?

Her: Look for Shane and I’s new video out later this week and pick up Circus Girl via iTunes.