Rainee Blake may be the newcomer in the Nashville cast, having only signed on to play up-and-coming artist Alannah during the show's final season, but she says that the rest of the cast has been quick to make her feel like family.

At an event to celebrate the television show's final season, Blake told The Boot that she approached the show as a fan: "It was definitely a little intimidating at first," she recalls. "You know, you walk into the makeup trailer on the first day, and you're like, 'Oh my god, that's Jonathan Jackson,' or whatever." However, he Australia native -- who is also a songwriter and musician in addition to her career as an actor -- says that her nerves didn't last long around such a supportive cast.

"The whole thing about the cast and crew is that they're all really down to Earth and welcoming," Blake explains. "Once the nerves settled down after a few weeks, it's just been the best time."

Blake's role on Nashville is one of her first major acting jobs. For her, the musical element makes the gig the best of both worlds.

"My favorite part of the show is that I get to do music and acting," she says. "It's been an amazing experience to be in the studio every week recording a new song. The turn-around happens so quickly that you have to really be on the ball and be at your best. But that just means practicing a lot and making sure that you're ready to learn something at the drop of the hat."

As for Nashville -- the place, not the show -- Blake says that the city may have stolen her heart just a little bit since she's been in town: "Don't tell LA I said this, but I really prefer it," she says with a laugh.

"People are just actually nice. You go into a bathroom here, and someone's like, 'Oh my god, I love your pants,' and they actually mean that," Blake says. "So I love that, and I love that there's live music every night of the week."

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