It’s been a good year-in-the-spotlight for Selena Gomez. From playing the bikini-clad Faith in director Harmony Korine’s film Spring Breakers to mimicking Miley Cyrus’s twerk routine (to Rihanna’s song Birthday Cake!). And now, her debut album is out –– Stars Dance (Universal Music), which explores the pop-dance space through lyrics that are personal... personal enough to talk about Justin Bieber. A t2 email chat with Selena Gomez...

This is your debut solo album. It’s funky, there is a bit of hip hop… overall, it sounds fun. How far does the sound of Stars Dance reflect your frame of mind?

I love dance and everything around it. Dance is my ultimate workout, I don’t believe in the mundane routines. And music which makes me physically move really excites me. Experimenting with a little bit of dubstep, fun beats, hooks that get stuck in your mind and your body –– basically I tried bringing in a side of me, who is fun and strong, in the album.

In what ways do personal feelings come through on the album?

I’m raring to go. I feel really confident and powerful right now. Also, I have given a lot of time to this record as compared to my other records. I wanted to do something I would love to be a part of. Having had the opportunity to have a say in the creative process –– be it styling or music, the album is really close to my heart as it is my first solo. I feel my stand, my emotions and thoughts come across very strongly through everything on the album... not only the music but also the fashion aspect, the sets, the beats...

You have an Indian hook (besides the tabla) in the track Come & Get It. How far does Indian music influence you?

I find Indian culture really beautiful. And Indian music is a unique blend of ethnic, cultural and global sounds. That’s what caused me to use elements of it in my music as I felt it would give a global appeal.

We hear sounds that have inspired Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Janet Jackson on the album. How have they influenced your sound?

Yes, you can definitely say that these artistes have heavily influenced me. I even tried to copy Britney’s dance moves when I was young, but I still cannot do it like her!

What kind of music did you grow up on and were influenced by?

Music that gets me grooving, that can make me move. I am inclined to dance music, the beats and rythms, dubstep. I grew up on Janet Jackson, Britney Spears. I find music that gives power, taps your foot, makes you confident really inspiring.

What kind of social life did you enjoy while working on the album? Did you isolate yourself from social dos while recording?

My work does affect my social life. There are a lot of times I do have to give up time with family or friends. But I don’t crib. My work gives me a lot of happiness and as and when I get time, I do spend quality time and relax with my family, friends and even myself for that matter!

Birthday seems like a very special single. You recently turned 21 (July 22) and recorded your debut solo album. How has your music matured?

I’d definitely like to think it has... especially with this new album, there has been a bit of a departure, as it’s the first album that really embraces a more mature, dubstep sound.

You have once again worked with producers Rock Mafia. What do they bring to the album?

Rock Mafia has seen me grow. They bring out my space in my songs, which is amazing. I am really grateful for their song Stars Dance, which has a wonderful tone. Since they know me well, they let me have more creative control over my music!

Being a star at a young age and one of the busiest musicians around, do you ever miss being a happy-go-lucky 21-year-old?

I would be lying if I would say no. I do miss it but not completely… maybe just a bit. My amazing team, my close group of friends and above all my mother keep me very much in touch with my happy-go-lucky side. These guys are constantly beside me, keeping me grounded, and I get to have my share of fun because of these lovely people in my life. Also my work is fun... I get to do exciting things, so I don’t really feel I am missing out on things.

How has your fan base evolved over the years?

My fans have been amazing over the years, right from my Disney days, to my singing and now my acting career. I love being honest with them and have people understand me better.

With a lot still being written about you and Justin Bieber, would you like to clarify your relationship status?

All I would like to comment is that I am single at the moment. And I don’t think I will be able to date someone from showbiz for now, at least someone as famous.

Finally, you recently had a sister (Gracie). How does it feel to have a sister who’s 21 years younger?

It feels great. I am more like her babysitter than her sister. I do things like cuddling, feeding, putting her to sleep and the works. She does get cranky like all babies do…those are the times I cannot handle her and I’m like ‘Mom, you need to take over’. She’s really cute... I can’t help falling in love with her again and again.

Did you know...

Her name is inspired by the Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez, who was murdered in 1995
She was criticised for painting a white horse pink for her 2011 video to the song Love You Like A Love Song. Even singer Pink took offence
Her friend Taylor Swift is happy that Justin Bieber is not in the picture. In an interview in August, Swift said: “I can picture it. Selena and Taylor in their PJs like a couple of mean girls gossiping about boys and joking about Justin.”
Her favourite actors are Johnny Depp and Rachel McAdams