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.

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 respect hippos. They just look the way they do; they can't do anything about it, but they don't seem bothered.

London audiences have this reputation for being a bit too cool for school.

Lizz Wright is my favourite singer. Her voice moves me and takes me to another place. She also grows her own food and that inspires me.

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