Art matters because it is the one true great connector in a world that seems to be very unconnected.

I think some industries are so far behind the rest of humanity, in the way they see characters and cast shows. Once those walls get broken down, it changes everything.

I wanted to focus on songs that I was inspired by growing up. I love so many of them from the last 100 years, but I really wanted, for my first step forward, to choose material that has inspired me and got me into the world of musical theater.

Music is what I always turn to when I'm feeling a certain way. It's my reason for everything.

Art matters because it is the one true great connector in a world that seems to be very unconnected.

Every day I lugged my backpack through the halls, waiting for the final bell. Then I'd race home and hole up in my room, playing the drums and the piano, composing music.

My biggest blast-off hit was "You Raise Me Up." If you ever have a wedding or a funeral, it's a good pick.