Northwest singer-songwriter Annemarie Russell‘s newest album is called “100 Reasons.”

Her smooth voice, smart lyrics and passion for songs are just three reasons to check out the 35-year-old Everett native. Here’s a few more.

Russell started singing more than a dozen years ago in college, playing the Spokane coffeehouse circuit.

Over time, she has traveled the country, married, earned a master’s degree in English literature, and become the mother of two children, a daughter, 5, and a son, 2.

The experience has paid off with a mature sound, wiser lyrics and a grown-up approach to music making.

“I wanted my music to feel a little bit more mainstream,” she said.

She recently returned to her hometown, where her day job is teaching writing at Trinity Lutheran College. Her nighttime gig is making music.

Influenced by groups including the Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile, she’s a strong proponent of women’s music that rocks.

“You’re always walking a line to sound special,” Russell said. “You don’t want your music to sound messy, but I hate that ‘Glee’-kind of canned music.”

The latest album, recorded on the Oregon coast, came out Tuesday. It’s a bit folk, a bit pop with some rock and jazz thrown in.

“The title, ‘100 Reasons,’ is my admonition that there is never a single answer to the question ‘Why?'” she said. “There are countless reasons for living, for writing and performing.”

Russell hopes to develop a regional following.

“It’s wonderful to be able to write and play music, and record and get enough response to keep doing it,” she said.

She performs at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Loft, 208 S. Washington Street, Suite 200, Seattle.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door through www.brownpapertickets.com.

Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.