Bridgit Mendler shows off her rainbow-colored locks on the October/November 2012 cover of Girl’s Life magazine.

The 19-year-old actress, who recently admitted to dating co-star Shane Harper, chats with the mag about her songwriting processes and musical inspirations. Check it:

On looking up to musicians: “A musician who really inspired me for songwriting was Bob Dylan. He’s so playful with his lyrics, and he likes to tell stories. I also really enjoy the musicality of Adele and Etta James. I think they’re really cool figures to look up to.”

On her songwriting process: “The album has really worked as a diary for me. Songwriting is actually a really great outlet. I kind of recommend it. You get to sum up whatever is going on in your life in a song, then perform it really passionately. Sometimes my lyrics may describe a situation that happened to a friend. Other times, I create a story from the ground up. I think it can be fun to write about relationships just because so many people can relate to what you are feeling.”

Be sure to pick up a copy of Girl’s Life, in stores NOW!