I didn't know folk music growing up, no. It's something I've come to study, really, because I think there's so much to learn from traditional music in the sense of the way music began as a way of communication, the traveling storyteller, the bard, the minstrels.

As I grew older, I actually was prepared to go into fine arts school and do a degree. That was what I was actually settled upon when I was offered a record deal.

I'm not an autobiographical writer, but I am a writer who deals with human emotion on all levels.

I think a lot of people have an idealistic view - if you grow up in the country, there can't possibly be anything wrong with you.

I'm doing quite a lot of painting on stones - little funny fish and animals.

I think I've been interested in music since I was little.

I studied art just short of the level where you can earn a degree.