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.

The people of Iowa are a rare breed.

On tour I'm finding out that I am half gypsy, 40% vagabond, and 10 house cat.

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

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.

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.

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.