Right from day one, you know when you've written a good song.

I've always written in a free, unencumbered way.

That is one of the things about going on tour, that I get to work with some really talented people and it allows me to be able to listen to them as well - and just have fun on stage.

All your travelling is together, you eat together, you're on stage as a band together, when you get to the sound-check the band and the crew are all together.

My mother bought a piano, put it in the front room, and I just started writing my songs.

I am constantly being told that I have been a big influence for many people, including other musicians.

I've written what and when I want to. It's been about expressing myself. But with the degree, I had to learn to do everything in a very specific, disciplined way. I am very disciplined, but this demanded a totally different kind of discipline. A real challenge.