My parents encouraged us to commit to things, so if we wanted to learn an instrument, it was all the grades and all the theory.

I really love jazz, but I will never be a jazz musician as much as I dream. But, I think that the jazz music I love is there in my music.

I write songs from the heart, and I don't hold back.

I don't talk about Amy Winehouse as a 'singer.' She's a pioneer. I listened to her endlessly when I started writing.

I like pastels and lighter shades on darker skins. I feel like it lifts everything and accentuates being chocolate.

Who made you the center of the universe?

My songs are very personal, which means they are fantastically therapeutic to write, but performing them night after night is emotionally draining.