Hallmark actress Bethany Joy Lenz has picked up and moved to Nashville to pursue her music career, and she has an all-new single to show for it. "Strawberries," out Aug. 18, is the first in a batch of new songs the musician and One Tree Hill alum plans to debut over the next few months. The "playful" track, which Lenz wrote in less than two hours, is an ode to overcoming insecurities with laughter and lightheartedness.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In an interview with PEOPLE, Lenz revealed that she was inspired to write "Strawberries" after noticing that she was comparing herself unfavorably with other women. "I think that's why I love the song, because I feel like it's relatable," she told the outlet. "As women, I feel like we often sit in this place of comparison, and I wanted to play with the juxtaposition of the jealousy and comparison that we feel, but also how we find our sense of confidence if we don't compare, if we can all just enjoy each other. The song felt like just a fun, playful way to address those insecurities, but also come out on top with some confidence and laughter about it."
Lenz, 42, is best known for playing Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill for nine seasons. She has also led multiple Hallmark movies, and will star in the network's upcoming A Biltmore Christmas alongside fellow Hallmark veteran Kristoffer Polaha. The actress has maintained a steady music career alongside her acting jobs, having released five studio albums and a collection of singles over the years. Now, she's ready to devote more time to making music.
"I was ready to really put music at the front and center," Lenz said of her decision to move to Nashville last year. The singer-songwriter will be performing original music in Nashville over the coming months, beginning with a sold-out show at the Bluebird on Aug. 12.
"You really have to be with yourself if people are going to spend their money and come see you instead of any number of other brilliant, talented artists that night in Nashville. But I'm up for the challenge and I'm really looking forward to just getting out there and having fun."
"Strawberries" is available to stream and purchase on Aug. 18.
