I'm very conscious of developing my singing, technically and stylistically. I want it to become more individual, express more of me. That's my goal. These songs are steps along that way.

It's great to have other people's help. Then the music gets heard. There's a lot more commercial support for that now.

I love playing to people and seeing them react.

I've always loved singing. I find it exhilarating.

Once I was in the city, I really enjoyed it. Just to experience things. There was so much new stuff.

My father's record collection was full of New Orleans music of all kinds. I used to listen to the radio in New York, and all there was on it at the time was Madonna and Michael Jackson, so it sort of passed me by.

Seeing how those companies operate, it didn't amount to a massive vote of confidence in their artists. There was talk of me going to Columbia after that, but nothing happened. I got disillusioned, and I pulled back.