I have a lot of memories, but I don't go into capitalizing on that. Something's got to be my own. I'm not doing the record to sit here and broadcast my memories of my father.

I don't think that I'm a top 40 artist in any way. So I don't think I'm that mainstream.

I knew that because of who I am, and the situation I'm in, that I'd attract more critics than your average person, and that was a little intimidating, but I wanted to get out there and pay my dues.

I never not wanted to be a singer. Since I was 3, I knew this was what I wanted to do. Well, I can't say I wanted to do it, but I fantasized and thought about it all the time. I never thought it would actually happen.

Making a decision to be a public figure isn't their choice right now. I don't think it's fair. Even though they're beautiful and I love them, they haven't made that decision yet. I've been chased through airports with a screaming baby because the photographers are ruthless, and they want the picture.

I sit with the intention to write a record.

I grew up in the South with my father; blues and country, that's always been my core. But I had it in me not to do what was expected. I wanted to find my own footing.