http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=100340958\
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After spending the past several years focusing on acting in films
like "Saved" and "American Dreamz," Mandy Moore is finishing her
first new album since 2003's "Coverage," her last for Epic. Now signed
to management powerhouse the Firm's label, Moore just finished
recording at Allaire Studios in upstate New York with producer John
Alagia.

"I'm so excited to be back and making music. It's my first love," Moore
tells Billboard.com. "I've been really concentrating on movies for the
last couple of years and the opportunities keep coming in, but I kind of
believe everything happens for a reason. It's time to do this."

Within the last year, Moore has been contributed to five films, including
the upcoming "Dedication" (with Billy Crudup and Amy Sedaris)
and "Because I Said So" (with Diane Keaton). Ready for a break, she
began co-writing music with pop singer Rachael Yamagata, as well as
Boston duo the Weepies, Lori McKenna and Chantal Kreviazuk. The
album will mark the first time that Moore has written or co-written every
song. The track list is now being whittled down from 18 completed
tracks.

"It means a lot to me to make something that's mine. It's a passion
project. It won't matter if it doesn't sell tons or have this high level of
success," she says of the as-yet-untitled album.

The 22-year-old star struck gold in the studio with Alagia, who has
helmed the boards for efforts from John Mayer and Dave Matthews
Band. "John is my new favorite person," she enthuses. "He knew what
kind of record I want to make. Nothing is going to be overly-produced.
It's going to be very organic and fresh. Very nice-sounding."

One of Moore's goals for the album was to have a product that sounds
just as good live as it does on record. She says early in her career,
most of her live performances consisted of opening for groups like the
Backstreet Boys in venues that lacked intimacy.

"Now, it feels like there's more at stake for me -- a chance to feel
vulnerable and make a whole new introduction to people," she
says. "And I'm excited to become a headliner." She hopes to tour in
smaller theaters and "cool clubs," beginning around the release of the
album, and her birthday, in April.