You have to think outside the box. The world is changing every day, the music industry is so different but I think the more creative you are the better.

I wanted to have all the songs to be the strongest they could be and all the choruses to be catchy. One of those records you could put in your car and just drive and not have to change it.

I listen to everything. My I-Pod's really diverse-from guitar instrumentals to Rascal Flatts to Usher.

I got to work with [Carlos] Santana, who's been my idol forever. When I was 18, I got up with him in Australia and jammed with him. That was an amazing moment because I got up in front of my hometown crowd.

I get really excited about collaborating because by the end of the day you have something that you never thought you'd have. I was really happy about writing "Bad News" and a bunch of other stuff on the record that came out so well.

The song could start with a riff that I base the song around. Or a chord progression or a melody I have, I just write a story about it. Lyric-wise, it's cool to have someone else's input too.

Just never give up. Try to believe in yourself and don't let negativity wear you down.