Pouring every ounce of her soul into her latest album, Canadian singer/songwriter/actress Cory Lee is mastering the art of being a triple threat.

Lesbians will recognize her aptly titled single "The Naughty Song" from the popular and now defunct The L Word series, while teens will recognize her from her role as Miss Oh on the seemingly never-ending hit series Degrassi: The Next Generation.

But fans of Lee will remember her voice and genuine songwriting from her first two albums, including 2005’s What a Difference a Day Makes (which garnered her Juno Award nominations and music awards). But it has been five years since her last album and now Lee is back in the lyrical saddle with her third album Hot Pink Heart: Part One. Her first single may be called "Cruel Intentions" but really Lee’s intentions are pure at heart.

"I’m feeling a lot of emotions, and it’s exciting and scary," Lee says of her latest album. "It’s kind of like a baby and I’ve been working on it for the past two years and now it’s out in the world for people to love or hate. And everyone wants to tell you their opinion."

This is even scarier because Lee writes her own songs – an effort that she says is what people want to hear these days – songs that "aren’t fabricated" and show "real emotion". Much Like Adele, Lee pours her heart and soul into her lyrics. Taking her cue from singer Robyn, who she says is her favourite artist at the moment, Lee writes about her life experiences and from the heart.

"I really want everyone to enjoy them. Everyone will be drawn to different songs for different reasons but it’s hard not to take it personally when someone really doesn’t like something."

Which is partially why Lee spent five years between albums. Although she’s been busy with acting and many other projects, Lee says her last album took a toll on her.

"I think you just have to learn to tune out the people who aren’t really on your side," she says. "And I didn’t want to come back until I knew what I really wanted to do. But I thought about music every day, I mean it pumps in my veins."

But she also loves acting, and after finishing wrapping up the latest Degrassi season, she’s also appeared in numerous feature films and television series including Being Erica, The Listener and The Chris Isaak Show.

"The biggest difference to me is when you’re acting, you’re diving into a character that is not necessarily yourself and it’s kind of cool and challenging, especially depending on the character," Lee explains. "And singing is a reflection of myself and I’m putting myself out there and who I want to be."

But she loves both, and hopes to continue performing on a bigger stage one day.  "I just love performing and singing and dancing and doing all of it," she adds.

And for fans of the singer, she is working on a tour that would most likely include a Calgary date on her list of stops. Those interested in Lee’s career can follow her on Twitter at coryleemusic, buy her new album, or of course, tune in to the latest Degrassi episode. But either way, Lee isn’t going away anytime soon.