Life was hell for our Jan

Popular Kiwi singer Jan Hellriegel used to be crippled by a shyness so overwhelming she once stayed closeted inside her flat for a week. The talented musician, whose debut album Its My Sin collected accolades and applause two years ago, says when she first moved to Melboume last year, she was too scared to go out alone. But, in the past six months, she's conquered her lack of confidence and found a new sense of contentment which has transformed her life.

Home in New Zealand to promote her aptly named second album, Tremble, Jan is brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Its now hard to believe she describes herself as someone who used to be too nervous to say a word to most people she met.

"I'm feeling really good about things and I've got a much more positive outlook on life. It's weird, but for the first time I'm starting to believe that I really am a songwriter"

Since making the move across the Tasman, Jan has been warmly welcomed by the Australian music industry and is even working with former Aussie soap star-turned-pop star Toni Pearen on a song for her new album. The pair have collaborated on a track that tackles a subject close to both their hearts - the frustration of being judged by how they look.

"People used to say 'It must be easy for you, because you take good photographs. That's why you've done so well'," says Jan. "But to tell you the truth that actually makes it harder because people think that you've made it because of the way you look and not because you're a songwriter. Anyone can look beautiful in a magazine, It's just lighting and makeup.

When I was around 20 to 24, I was worried about getting fat and so l went through the typical female thing of starve yourself or gym-out, all that sort of stuff. But it's such a waste of time and very self-destructive. It's only when you like yourself, that you start looking after yourself more. I'm in better shape now at 30 than I was when I was 23, because I'm a lot happier.

Some people go through their entire lives never really liking themselves so I feel very lucky."