Alternative pop singer-songwriter Amanda Markley began writing in her journal after a life-changing spinal injury. She had to take a break from her childhood passion—riding horses—so writing the songs followed soon after. After she healed, her newly minted songs became a way for Markley to inspire others to follow their dreams. Her self-titled EP is full of her creative passion—reminiscent of Ellie Goulding and Sia's work—drops on May 6, but you can listen to it today as it premieres on Myspace!

“I decided to self title this EP because it is debuting a new, more mature sound for me and it really shows more of who I am as an artist,” Markley says. “I had to stand on my own a lot and get things done to finish this EP, and self-titling it highlights my strength through completion.”

Her first single, "Jealousy," was released in 2015 in a partnership with Cadence & Cause, sending all proceeds of single downloads to the charitable cause of rescuing homeless animals and finding them homes. And after this EP release? Markley is headed to Nashville to record a set of new tracks with singer, songwriter and producer Will Pugh.

Hometown and homebase: I live in Seattle, and yes, I love the rain.

What is your EP about?

This EP is about the reality of heartbreak and finding your strength through that heartbreak. I went through a tough breakup at the end of 2015 and I’ve been rebuilding myself and going through a lot of self discovery since then, which helped inspire a lot of the emotions behind these tracks.

You’ve talked about self-titling the EP because it shows your strength. What are the other themes you were working on when making it?

This EP is self-titled because I feel that I’ve really found the sound that I’m going for, and it’s a debut of a more mature Amanda Markley. I’m really proud of how strong these songs have turned out. My favorite song would have to be "Fire" which I co-wrote with Matt Bacnis and Chase Manhattan. It’s my favorite because it tells a personal story of heartbreak that I went through, and then the strength that I’ve found in that and how it’s time to move on.

You collaborate with a lot of people on the EP. How did you find them and what made you decide to work with them?

I’ve been working with Matt Bacnis for about four years, and he’s one of my best friends. Matt is actually the one who got me in contact with Adam Mitchell and Chase Manhattan. I wanted to work with these guys because they are amazing at making music and are all supportive of my creative direction. I’m really excited that I get to work with Will Pugh (of Cartel) on a couple songs in the near future. I’m a huge Cartel fan and Will is a great guy, you may even hear a duet!

I read that your horseback-riding injury was the impetus to start writing in your journal. How did writing in a journal transition to songwriting?

Before I ever began writing in a journal, I loved to write poetry as well. After my injury, my dad bought me a guitar and I started putting my words to melody.

When was first time you realized you wanted to sing and perform for others?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved the adrenaline of performing in front of a crowd. Having my own voice and story to tell pushes me to want to get in front of people and show them that hard work and dedication can really pay off.

So your family is musical?

My family is very musical, playing instruments and singing. I would always sing along to the radio and popular songs when I was growing up, and I also did musical theater. I’ve been working on my talents ever since.

What's the first song you ever wrote?

I wrote my first song when I was 16 and it was called "My Time To Shine." It was about taking control of my life and finding my voice after I had gone through a time when I felt like didn’t have passion in life anymore.

Who are your musical heroes and why do they inspire you?

My biggest musical hero is Ryan Tedder, mostly because of his amazing songwriting. One Republic is one of my favorite bands, and the repertoire of songs that Ryan has been a part of is unbelievable.

What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done for you?

One of my fans brought me souvenirs from her trip to Hawaii once, it was the sweetest thing.

What's your songwriting process like?

I usually think of lyrics first when I get inspired by events happening in my life, then I’ll sit down at the piano or with a guitar and put them to melodies.

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

#wanderlust because I’m always daydreaming about far off places and I love to travel and be on the road.