The people of Iowa are a rare breed.

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.

I started writing when I was 17. I got an acoustic guitar for my birthday after I discovered Bob Dylan and James Taylor.

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

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!!

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.

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.