To switch right into creativity usually takes a bit of time, and this came up right at that juncture where I thought, okay, here's an opportunity to work with somebody I really respect in a new medium.

I realized when I was 23 that I had never really tried anything.

I write most of my songs when I'm in a bad mood.

My music has been a sort of personal therapy. It's got me out of tough times, it has been the friend that I needed, when I didn't have a friend there.

Frankly, I have always dreaded writing - there always seemed to be pain involved, unpleasant self-examination and a lot of fear.

Any time I sit down and write music, the first part of that is always centering myself and thinking about who I currently am.

I'm kind of forced to get out of what might feel more natural and comfortable.