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 don't really believe in plans. They only change. My goal is simply to be able to make music and live life in this crazy, falling-apart world.

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.

You have to have a vision and know that it's worth seeing it through. Other than that, just be true to your heart.

I think every tour stop on the west coast is equally rewarding for me. There is something healing about the air and the light in the west.

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.

Because of our situation, God has given us an opportunity to almost transcend our gender, which gives us a vision and sensitivity that other people don't have. They think that being white and male is going to save the world; but life is not The Lion King.