(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Taylor Momsen hopes people realise that her music career is not a vanity project.

The actress-turned-singer is best known for her role as Jenny Humphrey in the hit television series Gossip Girl. The American star also fronts the rock band The Pretty Reckless who released their debut album Light Me Up last year.

The blonde vocalist says that she hopes people will realise music is a passion alongside acting, and not just a project shes ventured into for the sake of it.

"It's still something I have to overcome," she explained. "I don't think it's fully transitioned. I would consider myself a musician that also acts. I've been writing songs since I was five. It's the thing that I chose for myself. I wasn't put into it. I made the decision and couldn't live without it, and hopefully people will give the record a chance and they'll hear that. They'll hear that it's not some side vanity project [but] that I really, really worked on it for a long time, really my whole life."

Taylor says she has embraced the more alternative music scene. The 17-year-old star says that she wants to steer clear of popular chart music and invest her energy and passion into producing classic rock records.

"I wouldn't have ever put out a dance record and probably never will. I think there's a place for all types of music, but it's not my cup of tea, she explained. "I love classic rock.

Taylor says her music is honest. The musician who also plays guitar in the band says she wants to create a unique sound that embodies rawness.

"What I love about music is I love playing. That's what I loved about music to begin with; that's what I fell in love with. It was the rawness and hearing the imperfections and having the imperfections be what makes it so unique and honest. I really wanted to make an honest record. That was the outlook that kept me sane and honest." (C) Cover Media