Singer-songwriter Jenny Owen Youngs promises her album Batten the Hatches was inspired by the messes in her life. They helped her create an intricate sound that is both catchy and sophisticated.

“”It hinges on my poor decision-making skills,”” Youngs said.

The album features an array of instruments, including the cello, violin, banjo and guitar. Each song offers a different sound. The core of Youngs’ musicality is her gutsy songwriting about a life spent between rural New Jersey and New York City.

“”The album is a collection of un-love songs,”” she said.

While growing up in Montclair, N.J., Youngs began playing guitar and writing poetry in junior high school. She studied music at SUNY Purchase College in New York, attending live concerts as often as possible.

As for her beautifully powerful, yet equally delicate, voice?

“”I’ve always been singing,”” Youngs said.

Thanks to a little help from MySpace, Youngs landed a record deal with Nettwerk, home to acts like Sarah McLachlan and Jimmy Eat World.

Youngs collected more Internet buzz when celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who seems to rag on everyone, raved about Youngs and her cover of Nelly’s “”Hot in Herre.””

“”It’s all about the Internet,”” Youngs said.

Besides rocking out at her shows, Youngs loves hanging out with friends and engaging in racquet sports – a particular favorite pastime, although she claims she’s not very good at them. She’s into the quirky female British invasion of Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, and can’t stop listening to the Sleater-Kinney album The Hot Rock.

Youngs hopes to someday be on the road touring for at least 50 percent of the year and to continue making music.

“”I would love to not have a day job,”” Youngs said.

For now, Youngs is thrilled to see the country and visit Tucson. She recently drove through Arizona for the first time and was amazed at the landscape, which she said left a lasting memory.

A live-show enthusiast, Youngs cares deeply about the experience generated for the audience; she wants each and every person fully engaged in the music. She finds that the most rewarding aspect of live shows is something bigger than the music itself.

“”I care about the artistry of the music; a tangible, real-time experience,”” she said. “”This tour is going to be interesting. … We’ll see if I win (over Bob Schneider fans) and if not, it’ll build character.””

Youngs performs with Schneider at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St., on Sunday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this 21-and-up show. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.