Songwriting is a very mysterious process. It feels like creating something from nothing. It's something I don't feel like I really control.

As a child I always had a sense of social conditions and political situations. I think it had to do with the fact that my mother was always discussing things with my sister and me - also because I read a lot.

A lot of kids spent more time out of school than in, but I always loved school and thought it was my way out of Cleveland, and out of poverty.

I meet people in my daily life, people who seem to experience some change and some growth on a personal level, and that gives me hope.

Love's a recurring theme through my work.

I learn all these things about the record talking about it after it's finished.

I picked up the guitar at 11, but even before then, I was writing songs on the organ.