As a teenager I had friends who had little music studios in their bedrooms and garages. I'd go and play around; very soon, my hobby became a passion.

Music is a very powerful thing. If I'm angry, I can write a song about it, and it seems to make everything okay.

I know I should keep this a secret, but Celine Dion is something of an icon to me.

People don't listen to one radio station. On iTunes you can mix different worlds and bring country and pop and folk and live music together with a mass audience. I could have sung 'Easy' in a country way but I just sang it how I sing. I think it's a really nice blend.

Surround yourself with friends who only call you a superstar

I would love to do something with Coldplay.

I did actually like school. When I was 17, I was in college, but before that, I was home-schooled. I was very social. I liked to know everyone.