shley Tisdale's career is on the fast track. The High School Musical star recently talked to Teen Tribute's Bonnie Laufer-Krebs in New York about what it's like to finally record her own CD and her rising success. You have been through so much in your career. Let's start off with High School Musical. Were you amazed at how popular it was? All of us had so much fun. You could definitely tell there was a magical thing happening because all of us got along really, really well. But to see the movie become such a hit with kids and adults, that's just the coolest thing. What do you think it was that connected people to the show? It's the Grease for the generation. We haven't really had a musical like that in a long time and I think the characters are really relatable. I think everybody has a Sharpay or a Gabriella in their lives. And I think for adults, watching it brings them back to Grease and to their high school experience. So why did you decide to record your own CD now? I've always wanted to do an album. Music has been my life, and I did Les Misérables when I was eight. It was kind of the right timing. I know the opportunity came because of High School Musical and I'm so grateful for that. Did you come up with the title Headstrong? One of the songs is called "Headstrong" and when I heard it I said, "Oh my gosh! That's so me it's not even funny." I don't want anybody to push me around and I know who I am. Sometimes I can be bad, sometimes I can be stubborn, but I think it's a good quality. How are you balancing all of your projects? It's hard to juggle all this stuff (acting and music career) at the same time, but it's fun. I'm the type of person who is happy being busy. When I'm not busy I'm like "I need to do something." Who influences you musically? I really love Gwen Stefani. She's a leader and she does her own thing. She's her own person so I kind of look up to that. What advice would you give someone who wants to make it in show business? Follow your dreams and never give up. I'm definitely doing that right now. Anything can happen. If you really, really want it just
know that you have to work hard and go for it. Who would you love to work with acting-wise? Jake Gyllenhaal, he's a great actor. Also Johnny Depp and Brittany Murphy, who I'd love to play her sister in something. That would be cool. Why should people check out your music? I think that it's fun, it's sassy, and it's me. I think that a lot of the songs send some great messages for kids. Are you going to tour? Will we see you in Canada? Yes and definitely!