Staying true to yourself and trusting your instincts is very important. I've learned this both through creating music, where I've always stayed focused on recording music that is true to who I am and to my fans, and through my recent health struggles, where I knew something more was going on than what I was hearing from different doctors; I had to trust myself and continue to pursue a diagnosis.

I want people to feel inspired to reach out and be inclusive and supportive of others in their community who might be facing any kind of challenge, whether it is a health issue or a disability.

I have always looked for ways to give back because I think it's a responsibility we all share.

I might look like a tough chick - and I am - but I`m also a hopeless romantic inside.

It's so easy for me to do a boy-bashing pop song, but to sit down and write honestly about something that's really close to me, something I've been through, it's a totally different thing.

I think because I was brought up in a Christian home, I was kind of careful not to swear in my lyrics.

I have to fight to keep my image really me... I rejected some gorgeous publicity shots because they just didn't look like me.