UK sensation Amy Macdonald is diving headfirst into international waters, attempting to win over American audiences with her debut release. ByBob Mehr

Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald is whather countrymen might refer to as a wee bairn, or little child. Though she’s baby-faced and not quite 21, Macdonald has become one of the brightest lights on the UK music scene. Inspired by London buzz band the Libertines and fellow Scots Travis, Macdonald began writing and performing as a teen. Her compositions quickly won her notice, and she was given first a production deal and then a recording contract. Her 2007 debut album, This Is the Life, was a revelation, seamlessly mixing a Celtic folk feel with undeniable pop hooks and sophisticated lyrical touches. The public immediately took notice, and the album shot to number one -- knocking rock titans Radiohead off the top of the UK charts. A self-effacing charmer with athick Glasgow brogue, Macdonald talks to us on the eve of her record’s stateside release through Decca.

What are your first memories of music and writing songs? My first concert was Michael Jackson at Wembley Stadium. That’s thefirst thing I can really remember of loving music. My sister and I were massive fans. Later, my sister used to play the keyboard and muck abouton that, and I used to come up with little lines but nothing everreally serious. It wasn’t until I taught myself to play guitar that Iactually thought about writing proper songs. The first couple of songsI did write weren’t all that great -- in fact, I would go so far as tosay they were absolutely terrible [laughs]. But I just completely enjoyed the process and getting my feelings down and putting them to music, so I continued with it.

Now that you’re actually living the life of a musician, is it different than you expected? I think a lot of people look at musicians and think they must have the most wonderful life. But actually, it isn’t all that glamorous. When I’m on tour, I’m sharing a bus with 15 men, which isn’t exciting at all[laughs]. You know, just the [grind] of touring and having to use horrible showers at venues and that kind of thing. But I still absolutely love it; I love what I’m doing and wouldn’t trade that for anything.

You’ve already had a number one album and a lot of success. Is it hard to stay grounded? No, because I still live in my little town outside Glasgow and we don’treally have the paparazzi camped outside our house. And I’ve never really been interested in going to clubs and having my photo taken at three o’clock in the morning when I’m drunk. There has to be a part ofyou that kind of wants to be the paparazzi darling to actually have it happen. I’m just too normal! I don’t care about celebrity or fame. I’m just concentrating on the music. That’s what makes me happy.