I've come up against a few challenges. I've just taken them on with a really pure energy. I'm not out to change people's minds. I'm out to maybe educate and inspire.

It's just that only now are women coming around, and when someone as striking as Alanis or Sheryl Crow comes out, the public just needs something to compare it to.

I have so many plans! Sometimes it's hard to keep up because at this point it's just been me and the little bit of help my label gives me.

My worst vice is also my best vice. It's my empathy and my love for people-it can wear me out. I rarely can turn a person in need down or because I love people, I love energy.

My mentoring program is pretty specific, it's about self-empowerment, about being able to find solutions through teamwork. That's one of my first goals.

When I was a kid in Eugene, Oregon, there was this fantastic guitar player who went out on the tables, chairs, out in the audience and played. So I started taking my guitar in the audience. I tripped, fell backwards and ripped my pants.

I've also been writing for other artists, producing other artists, doing some country stuff. Those lyrics I tend to leave more universal.