I don't have control over how people choose to perceive me. The only thing I have control over is my writing.

Did you work for the money to buy those earrings? Or did your Daddy buy those for you?

When I was turning 40, I felt that there were no books out there that hit the spot in terms of what I wanted to read.

Usually the kids are portrayed as very one-dimensional. Like these mindless animals that just have three things on their minds: getting laid, getting drunk, and driving real fast over Mulholland Drive.

My dad has always just had a lot of faith in me as an artist and as a person, and he doesn't really dispense with a lot of advice when it comes to the music. He's taught me a lot over the years, but when I was taking on this project he's really hands-off about that. He just appreciates what I've done and is very supportive, and of course really proud.

I'm really intimidated by beautiful people. Beautiful guys, especially.

I like to say, jazz music is kind of like my musical equivalent of comfort food. You know, it's always where I go back to when I just want to feel sort of grounded.