The State Hornet sat down for a chat with one of the stars of the new movie “RV,” Joanna Levesque. Following her appearances in “Developing Sheldon” and “Aquamarine,” this multi-platinum recording artist known more commonly as “JoJo,” who brought us hits like “Leave (Get Out)” and “Baby It’s You,” is returning to the big screen opposite Robin Williams in “RV.”

The 15-year-old singer/actress has a new, more mature look with longer, fuller, highlighted tresses and tastefully applied make-up that suggests the young star’s coming of age. Smart, charming, and well spoken, JoJo dishes about what it was like behind-the-scenes on the set of her new movie, how she feels about being compared to Hollywood’s “teen queens” and much more.

Hornet: What has the transition from music to movies been like for you?

JoJo: Well, I wouldn’t really call it a transition. I’ve been singing and acting my whole life. I did a lot of theater when I was younger and I’ve been singing since I was 2. I got signed when I just turned 12, and then released my first album at 13. Then scripts started coming my way with my success in music. So it’s just been like a whirlwind for me.

Hornet: Describe your character “Cassie” in “RV.”

JoJo: Cassie is a typical angst-ridden teen. She’s a vegetarian, really socially aware and really embarrassed by her family. I had to audition five times and they had already cast the part to another actress so I had to snatch it up. The most embarrassing part about playing her was the kissing scene…I was freaking out…Thankfully it was cut out.

Hornet: What was it like working with Robin Williams?

JoJo: Working with him was incredible. He is pretty much the same in real life as he is in the movies… he is really, really hairy and he sweats a lot so sometimes on the set he would take off his shirt and yeah, he’s a really a hairy guy! (Laughing) He is so much fun. He always had us laughing on the set. But I have to say he really is one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever met…He’s an icon, a legend, a genius in every sense of the word.

Hornet: When is your next album set to hit stores?

JoJo: Late summer. We’re still deciding on a single. I was able to work with Swiss Beatz, Scott Torch, and Matrix who has worked with other young artists like Avril Levigne and Hilary Duff. And I did some co-writing, which was really exciting.

Hornet: I understand that being such a young artist, you plan on spacing out your albums because you want your fans to see growth with every release. What kind of growth can we expect on the next album?

JoJo: Well, I was 12 when I was recording my last album, and now I’m almost 16. There is a lot of growth, personally and professionally that took place within that time. You’re going to hear and see maturity- a young woman emerging.

Hornet: What distinguishes you from the other young artists like Hilary Duff and Lindsey Lohan who have been able to successfully transition between music and film?

JoJo: Nothing about my image or musical content is sexually overt. I just don’t feel comfortable with that. And my base is in music. I don’t want to sound cocky by saying this but I’ll say it anyway; I can actually sing and that’s something I’m proud of. If you go to one of my concerts the sound is not processed, my voice is authentic and it will sound the same as it does on the radio. I love singing and I love acting and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.

Hornet: What motivates you?

JoJo: I come from a really small town where a lot of people doubted me. Everyone knew what I wanted to do and I’d get teased a lot. I remember riding my bike down the street and having someone hurl profanities at me. They just really didn’t want to see me succeed. But I’ve always been so driven and feisty and just ready to get out there. I guess what motivates me is proving people wrong and letting my success be the last word.

Hornet: So, you just released “RV,” you have an album on its way- what’s next?

JoJo: I’m just pacing myself. I plan to take it as it comes.