My love of R&B and hip-hop has influenced my life not even as a musician, but generally in terms of growing up and looking to America as an inspiration.

I didn't really learn how to play guitar until I was in college.

I think sitting in the car with your parents and listening to music is an essential to growing up.

I really wanted to approach performing live differently than most people who just play guitar and sing.

I feel if I wanted to be taken seriously I have to study music the same way someone who wants to be a doctor would study medicine. You have to know your craft and by doing so I had to make sure to ignore what people were thinking as well.

My favorite records are not easy - they're not records that reveal everything to you the first time out.

The hip-hop aesthetic and the way it's produced always motivated me. Alongside that I was still wanting to make great traditional songs because I've never had any desire to rap. My love of hip-hop is driven by my love of rappers, but it was built out of my love of producers.