I was trained professionally to connect with people as a therapist. That's job number one, having a empathetic regard towards someone who is sitting right across from you. Being able to pull whatever their needs are, their desires and the things that are troubling them and being able to address that in some way.

Music is generally important to blind people, and most of the blind people that I have come into contact, through my parents, music is very special to them. Obviously, because it is more salient, you know? We might like going to the movies, and of course we like music too, but when the eyes don't work then the ears pick up slack. Music is all the sweeter at that point.

If I am feeling musical and I pick up the guitar, usually something will eventually come out and I'll see where it goes.

I want to be very authentic when I perform, because I feel like I owe that to people listening. You can't go through the motions on music like this. You are making people feel a certain way, that you are not feeling yourself. It's like saying "I want you guys to cry, but I don't really care," which isn't right.

The old adage, that "music is a universal language", is really true.

Music is generally important to blind people, and most of the blind people that I have come into contact, through my parents, music is very special to them.

Therapy really did prepare me to become an empathic songwriter. As far as advice goes, it's a matter of self understanding first.