jjhellermain“That crunching noise was me sitting on my favorite sunglasses. This is why I don’t buy expensive ones,” reads a recent Facebook status from Phoenix-based singer and songwriter JJ Heller.

One doesn’t have to peruse Heller’s Facebook page or read her Twitter feed long to sense that she’s approachable, down-to-earth, and has a great sense of humor. And it’s this “realness” that characterizes her music, endearing listeners over the past few years to hits including “Your Hands” and “What Love Really Means.”

Heller kicks off these early months of 2013 with a new album, a new tour, and from the sound of her Facebook page, a new pair of sunglasses. She recently took the time to chat with me via email about her latest project, Loved, and how it differs from what she’s done in the past.

[Read the interview at Crosswalk Music.]