Having an open dialogue, in any creative atmosphere, is really important to feeling free to tell the story the best way you can.

I really try to be aware of the purpose of each song. There are songs on my record that I want people to have sex to, and songs people can listen to when they're pissed off.

I think you are the best you can be when you feel free, when you feel open. So I think keeping that mentality, keeping positive, is key.

My thoughts on gay marriage are that everyone has the right to love and be loved, and that's the position I take.

[Songwriting is] something that I own - it's my property, it's my music, it's my voice.

I feel the most connected to my art when it comes from my real life and hopefully the audience feels that.

I had an emotional breakdown since I really had no idea what diabetes was all about. I wondered, 'why me?' Then I asked myself, 'why not me?' and realized that I might be able to help other kids with diabetes.