'Is It O.K.' is the title of Serena Ryder's newest album, and with two Juno nominations and an upcoming performance at this year's Juno Awards broadcast, it's pretty clear that things are more than just o.k. for this 25-year-old singer-songwriter.

After being hailed New Artist of the Year at the 2008 Juno Awards, Ryder is heading back this year with nominations for Artist of the Year and Adult Alternative Album of the Year.

"It's pretty amazing and kind of crazy to go from best New Artist last year to being in a category with Bryan Adams and k.d. lang. It's surreal. I'm nervous and excited," Ryder gushes.

The competition for Artist of the Year also includes Canadian rocker Sam Roberts and one of Ryder's favourite bands, City and Colour.

"I'm really excited to see Dallas (Green) play," Ryder says. "He's awesome!"

10 strong years

Ryder has had 10 strong years in the industry, making and recording music since she was 15. Even still, she is reluctant to characterize her own music, preferring to pass people along to her MySpace page.

If she had to define it, she says it's "Americana-pop-rock-folk-country-blues-jazz.'

"Except I don't think it matters what I think I sound like. It really only matters what other people think of it," she adds.

Her very first album, 'Falling Out' was released in 1999 on the Peterborough indie label Mime Radio and in 2005, she released her debut major label CD 'Unlikely Emergency' under fellow Juno nominee Hawksley Workman's Isadora Records label.

In 2006, Ryder was picked up by the EMI label and in November of that year, Ryder paid homage to Canadian greats by covering songs by Leonard Cohen, The Band and Paul Anka in her album 'If Your Memory Serves You Well.'

After a handful of live recordings and extensive touring, Ryder released her most recent, Juno nominated album in late 2008. 'Is It O.K.' has just been released in the States.

"I think my music has changed as much as my heart's changed," Ryder says of her artistic development. "When you're 15, the world can seem a lot smaller."

"My heart's gotten bigger, so hopefully my words are understood by more people."

The Serena Sound

The first concert Ryder ever attended was The Tragically Hip at Canada's Wonderland "It was huge and just so Canada!" she remembers, but beyond her Canadian favourites, Ryder's musical touchstones are wide and varied -- from Hank Williams to Supertramp, The Beatles to David Bowie.

"I think that really I'm influenced by everyone all the time -- the radio, the TV, movie soundtracks, commercials, even the sound of your neighbour yelling," she laughs.

Ryder's creative impulses don't just encompass the musical world. With her mom and many of her friends working as visual artists, she also finds inspiration in paintings and sculpture. "There's something about being able to create a whole little world with your hands," she says.

On the road again

Having just completed a jam-packed U.S. tour, Ryder is about to embark on her cross-Canada tour. She is looking forward to playing for her Canadian fans, and notes how welcoming and open her American audiences were.

"I played at the Bar-B-Que Hut a week and a half ago in Charleston, South Carolina. It was a free show put on by a radio station," she says, slipping into a playful southern accent.

"After driving for 11 hours that day, I got up on stage and everyone was cheering and screaming. It was fabulous! It was just so much fun!"

Juno lessons

Not only is it an honour to be nominated two years in a row, Ryder has learned a lot from last year's show. "I'm going to wear comfy shoes this year," she insists. "Comfy clothes too and no make up that will run," she laughs, referencing her emotional acceptance speech last year.

"I want to smile a lot, laugh a lot and see a lot of friends," she says, excited to head out to Vancouver and celebrate with Canada's top musicians.

The Junos air on March 29 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV.

Tickets for Juno events and the 2009 Juno Awards are still available. Click here for more information.