I love writing and photography and the natural world that inspires them both. I'm working on getting as lost as I can in the beauty before it is completely wiped clean by the madness of man.

The people of Iowa are a rare breed.

I took piano and drum lessons when I was young, and took a lot of choir classes in high school. Beyond that I just play by ear and learn as I go.

I love writing with Colbie [Caillat]. We have something very magical together that's difficult to describe. We're very comfortable with each other, and that's really important for co-writing. I think both of us bring different things to each song.

There's a weird period of learning how to play guitar where your fingers are constantly messed up a handful.

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

Even before I started writing songs, that was one of my goals to be a writer, and I still have that goal. I've just gotten sidetracked.