Nashville has a formula, and it works a lot of the time, but it wasn't right for me. They're afraid to step outside the box - even though, with me, my success came because I was outside of the box to begin with.

Yes, we do mimic our parents in a lot of ways.

My father, Fred Carter, Jr., is definitely an extraordinaire.

I was in relationship with a guy who was much older than me - either he was past his prime and I was coming into mine. There was nothing I could do to keep his attention.

There's a lot of freedom for me living in L.A.

But once you become successful, everyone has an idea of what you should do.

The songs come from a vulnerable place, but expressing that part of yourself can also make you feel fearless.