When I was 17 I got a guitar for my birthday and started discovering Bob Dylan and James Taylor and the whole '60s thing, and that made me want to make songs, to go beyond just playing an instrument. I needed to write I guess.

Inspiration comes from everywhere always. But it's strongest in love and in its absence.

I do what works best for me, but it might not work for somebody else.

The people of Iowa are a rare breed.

I want to build a treehouse village connected by bridges in the woods by my house so my friends have a place to stay.

My favorite superheroes when I was younger were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and they still are. Simply because they rule and you've got 4 different personalities to choose from depending on your mood...And they're huge human-turtles!!

There are no rules or certain methods. I usually start with the guitar or piano and sing melodies over the chords. The lyrics seem to be born out of that, and the fact that it's still a mystery to me is my favorite part.