James Brown is the perfect example of flashy but classy. Classy doesn't have to mean boring. His gear was flamboyant but without being so over the top. The cape was probably the biggest part of his persona. He looked like Superman.

I just want to have fun and party with everyone around the world. That's the only rule, to have fun.

I think that what happens is that all of my modern influences blend together with the older soul influences and you get Mayer Hawthorne.

I don't want kids listening to my music thinking it's for their parents. I want them to feel it's theirs.

I never have, but I would love to pick R. Kelly's brain.

I was really fortunate growing up to have a broad musical education. My parents listened to all kinds of music, rock, soul, Motown, jazz, Frank Sinatra, everything.

Gary Numan had a huge influence on both my music and my style. He had his own unique fashion sense - that futuristic space style. It was out there.