The stunning and dynamic Leah Turner—who hit the Billboard Top-40 with her 2013 debut single, “Take The Keys”—is back with a new single; one that is very important to her. Titled “Cowboy’s Love,” the lyrics are not just words but emotions she knows all too well. She’s a name you’ll be hearing a lot more in 2016, and so we thought we’d let you in on some fun facts about the vivacious talent so you can get in on the ground level of her success. 

She’s a California Cowgirl (Yes, You Read That Right…There are Cowgirls in the Land of Milk and Honey!)

I am a California cowgirl, raised by a cowboy. I was about an hour and a half from the ocean. It was definitely the Wild West. That’s where I’m from.

Turner Loves Horses and Strongly Identifies with Them

I’ve just always felt like they were such majestic animals, and so large, but they are also so in tune with who you are. When you become in tune with them when you are roping them or racing them, they really become a part of you. To be something so little on something so big to the point where they could crush you, and they don’t, you just feel like they have the biggest heart. 

California—Her Home State—Soothes Her Soul  

It’s the perfect weather all the time. The beaches in California are so amazing. When I’m there, I feel alive. It’s beautiful with the palm trees and the mountains, and the sunsets are just so amazing. 

The “Cowboy’s Love” Video is a Very Personal One to Her, with Her Father’s Influence Looming Large 

I filmed the video at my dad’s roping partner’s house. I was able to drive my dad’s truck in the video, and I also rode on one of his championship saddles. The cowboy in the video is wearing one of his belt buckles. The first love that I ever felt was for my dad, and he was a cowboy. It’s an analogy of that man who stands by you and loves you through thick and thin. My dad taught me how to love and how to be loved. There’s nothing like a cowboy’s love and having a man who stands beside you. 

Turner is a Firm Believer in “Girl Power,” but not at the Expense of Men 

I have a song called ‘Just A Girl,’ which was influenced by the fact that my mom and dad never told me “You can’t do that. You’re a girl.” Instead, they would tell me that I could do anything. I saw the Dove commercial where people were saying, “Show us how a girl is. Show us what a girl does.” It was really weak and out of control. I just wanted to write a song that said there’s nothing wrong with being us. Because, we will stand beside you when the crap hits the fan, and we’ll be there picking up the pieces with you. We might be a little annoying sometimes while changing our outfits nine hundred times, and talking a ton when you just want us to get to the point. When it comes to the realness of what you need, we’ll be there standing with you. There’s nothing wrong with us and being a girl. I’m definitely trying not to hate on men. Of course, you have the songs where you’re pissed off at them. I want to celebrate them, because love is an amazing thing. 

Turner Once Performed Her Music for the Legendary Kenny Loggins 

I was in school at Santa Barbara at the time, and I was in a songwriting class. Whoever won the competition would be able to sing it in front of a celebrity guest. That turned out to be Kenny Loggins. He said, “I’m not telling you to quit school. But, I am telling you that you need to pack the bags and start pursuing music.” I did that. I called my mom and dad and told them that. They said they would send the truck up and be on their way. 

With the Emergence of Acts Like Kelsea Ballerini, Turner Feels There is Beginning to be a Shift Toward More Women on the Radio in Country Music

People say that women don’t like women, but I feel that women want a voice. I think they want someone who represents them. I think that if we all band together and really support one another, we can really start changing things and say things that women want to say, but also that will connect men, so they feel that the song is for them, as well. 

Turner has a Few Favorites Among the New Crop of Female Vocalists in the Format 

There are so many great ones out there right now. Mickey Guyton can sing her butt off. I think Jana Kramer is amazing. I also think Lindsay Ell is such an amazing performer and guitar player. Clare Dunn is also going to be a force to be reckoned with. 

At the Same Time, Turner Does Still Get Excited About Meeting Her Heroes

I was just rehearsing earlier today, and there’s this woman talking to my drummer. I look at her, and it’s Kathy Mattea. I almost died. Jon Vezner, who wrote “Where’ve You Been,” was there, and I literally had just told someone that was one of my favorite songs that I wish I had written. Isn’t that cool? That’s why Nashville is so amazing. 

That Accessibility to the Artists and Musicians is What Makes Music City so Appealing

Once you’re accepted by this community, you’re so embraced and you can feel the love of everyone behind you. You can see Miranda Lambert hanging out at the bar, and nobody bothers her. That’s shocking to me because in California, they would be hounded. I think that’s really amazing. 

Being Half Latin, Her Family Has a Special Holiday Tradition

I’m half Latin, so each year, the week before Christmas, my mom and all of her sisters get together and make tamales. That’s awesome to have that kind of tradition.