Kati with an I was a New York Times Critics' Pick and I was really happy that it got a run uptown in Harlem at the Maysles Cinema, which is a great space but isn't necessarily the most well attended for a week-long screening.

No one is really going to help you or give you direction. In fact, the odds are against you.

When you raise your opinion of yourself and what you are capable of it has a decided influence on what you do.

The music business is just the worst as far as Machiavellian, sharky, evil games going on, as far as manipulation.

I've always loved black culture; I don't know any other way to put it. Since I was a kid I loved music and early jazz, Sly and the Family Stone.

If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: Better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid.

Everything changes. This is the key to feeling powerful, but also to being creative in the world.