I got a publishing deal with BMG, they were supportive, and some money to record demos

I wouldn't say that I've had a tough life by any stretch of the imagination.

I actually am always a music first person

Simon Hale, the British arranger, does all string and wood arrangements on my records

I certainly wouldn't say that my life is a disaster, but there have been moments where I've felt like that

I make the kind of music I like

It's inevitable your environment will influence what you do