I had something nobody else could do - I sang in a way that separated me - and, when you're trying to get noticed, you play your trump card.

When you're at the beginning of your career, there are a lot of, "I don't care about this," jobs that you take because it's about building your resume and building connections. There are so many factors that don't have anything to do with choosing for the material.

I've always been passionate about fashion.

I would love to be able to turn my recording career into something that is substantial, and where I can go and tour with an orchestra.

For me, life is about being positive and hopeful, choosing to be joyful, choosing to be encouraging, choosing to be empowering.

How can you be of service to something other than your own ego and bank account, in a business that's inherently narcissistic?

I want to keep changing the world. It's possible. The black gay lead is ready. It's time.