I just want to make my music, and I want it to stand on its own.

Maybe I'm genetically more inclined to music - but the music I make is so far removed from Indian classical music. I grew up in Texas!

During my first photo shoot, I was unhappy because they put so much makeup on me and straightened my hair. I've been stubborn ever since.

I'm not a great piano player.

I had very modest expectations when I first moved to New York. I didn't even expect to get a record deal.

It's true, there's a lot of melancholy in my music. I don't know why, I'm not a melancholy person. I've always been drawn to it. Ever since I was a kid, if I had an album I would play the ballads on repeat.

I used to be a jazz snob, believe it or not. I sort of turned my nose up at anything more commercial.