I am really obsessed with finding melodies that just hypnotize you and sink you into a song.

I've kind of shut myself off to a lot of new music because I don't want to be influenced by it.

I like to write from my life and the relationships that make it up. I think its important to use music to change people's moods. I try to write my story in a way that people can take for themselves and their own life.

I've basically been able to do everything, I basically run my own career and the decisions I make - whether it's how I'm gonna roll out music, how I'm gonna play on tours, different strategies for releasing and marketing things - and that comes from being college educated and someone who's interested in that side of the business rather than only the music. If anything I think that's where the biggest direct influence comes from.

I'm a Jewish kid who grew up loving hip hop in NY.

I am very lucky to have people who care about me and care about my music. I think it would be irresponsible to not show them as much love back as they show me.

I'll say this: Google is the best 9-5 anyone could ever get. Awesome environment, I loved my time there, but I grew up with my dream to pursue music full time.