I was a nerd academically. But I was also an athlete and a musician. I never wanted to be shut out of any situation. I think it was that more than anything.

Every song that I've done is me in one way or another.

I think I've tried to stay true to my music since the beginning. It's kind of hard because of the access and technology but I just do what I do.

I just want people to take a step back, take a deep breath and actually look at something with a different perspective. But most people will never do that.

You'd hear Willie Nelson, then Earth, Wind & Fire, then Chicago, then Billy Joel on the same radio station. Nowadays, everything is compartmentalized.

I do not wear my emotions on my sleeve; I write about them.

I hope at some point in my career when my name is mentioned, someone will say "Oh yeah he has a good song!" I'd be happy with that.