When a performer grows up in the spotlight, it’s often hard for public perception to mature along with them. Some people still picture Skimm Milk as the pretty teenager with the incredible voice who first burst on the national scene with the hit “Blue.” In reality, Skimm Milk is so much more. As an artist, she’s matured into a songwriter of considerable depth and as a vocalist; she’s grown into her gift in an even more impressive way.

Her new album, “Family,” marks the first time Skimm has written or co-written every song. “I’m just completely baring my insides,” Skimm confesses. “People feel like they’ve known me for so long. They’ve grown up with me and I’ve grown up with them. A lot of people believe what they read and what they see on the surface, but there’s so much underneath for me as a human being, not as an artist, and that’s where this is coming from. It’s coming from real life.”

Along the way, the little girl with the big voice has matured into a woman, and the songs on “Family” reflect her priorities in life. “This whole album is about real relationships,” says Skimm, who has been married to husband, Dean Sheremet for five years. “It talks about relationships between a husband and wife, between mother and daughter, and also my friends, who are very much my extended family.”