Singer Mya Harrison, known solely as “Mya,” has a lot on her plate this year. She recently hit the big screen with “Chicago,” sang with Common in a Coke ad and started work on a new album. Even with all the success, Mya has managed to remain humble. The Daily Beacon recently had the opportunity to chat with Mya about everything that is going on in her life.

Daily Beacon: How did you prepare for your role in “Chicago”?

Mya: Rehearsals were pretty lengthy, about six hours a day or more including dance rehearsals and vocal coaching to rehearse the lines. Most of my rehearsals were with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere.

DB: Did you enjoy the experience?

Mya: I enjoyed it to the fullest. My part was very brief, but we had rehearsals for about two months. Everyone was just a joy to work with. They were all down to earth; we had lunch together everyday. I had a ball.

DB: Is there a difference between performing on stage and in front of a camera?

Mya: On camera, everything is shot in segments over a period of days, and you get a chance to record and rehearse your part beforehand. On stage you can improvise, and there is more interaction with the audience. I would almost call it spiritual, because something is not written in stone or set. With a movie, you have the ability to touch so many more people, but it’s a longer process.

DB: What are your plans for the future?

Mya: I’m reading a script; it’s one that I’m very interested in. It’s called “Static,” (and it’s) about police corruption. I’ve met with the director a couple of times. I would love to do something like that. I also want to establish myself as a recording artist even more. Lots of things are happening for me, but of course, music in my life comes first. Broadway is definitely in my future, because it was what I was originally going to do before my recording contract.

DB: How’s the new album coming along?

Mya: I’m actually in the studio wrapping it up, and it should be released early summer. A single should be due late spring. I’ve done a lot of writing on this album, and I’m very proud of it. I think this is my best work so far.

DB: How is this album different?

Mya: Three years has passed since my last album came out. I’ve grown, and a lot has happened to me personally. As far as the styles of music, I’ve dibbled and dabbled. I’ve had a ball. You’re going to get all kinds of flavors – acoustic, rock and reggae while still maintaining my soul base with an edge in hip-hop.

DB: What was working with Common like?

Mya: Common was great to work with. I’d never met him before but was a fan of his music. He’s a poet. We created lyrics together and brought in live musicians to create the vibe of the track. We did a five-minute song which turned into a 30-, 60- and 90-second version of the commercial for Coke. It’s a great campaign to be a part of. Common is a laid back, nice, easygoing guy.

DB: Will “Make It Real” be released as a single?

Mya: It’s possibly going to be on my album. I think their leaking it to radio as we speak. So it’s being thrown out there.

DB: How has music changed your life?

Mya: I’ve been able to use my career to gain the attention of young girls and to possibly inspire them to hold on and assure them that things do get better with time despite what you’re going through. You can use your negative experience as motivation to be positive and successful in life.

DB: What kind of jobs did you have before music?

Mya: As a side hobby in high school, I drew pictures. A few people would give me a school picture or a Polaroid and ask me to draw a picture. So what I did was to take their picture and maybe a separate picture of their boyfriend and draw them together with a nice backdrop or a creative new hairstyle. I used to sell them for $5 or $10.

DB: What advice would you give to young performers?

Mya: Attend a performing arts school or college that has a great program if you’re serious. Surround yourself with venues for opportunities such as New York or California where opportunities are more present in the entertainment world. The resources are available so you can get experience and a head start. You can also decide if it’s for you, because it’s a hard business and jobs are limited.

DB: How would you describe yourself to people who don’t know who Mya is?

Mya: I’m just a regular girl from Maryland who didn’t think anything would happen in terms of a recording career; it sort of fell in my lap. I knew if given the opportunity that I’d go full force with it because it’s what I truly love to do. I’m very thankful. I’m also very easygoing. I love dogs; I have two of my own – Rambo and Rex. I’m a pretty boring person. I like to watch TV, go to movies and cook.