I'd rather have people really be able to step back and get their money's worth and look at me as a true artist than somebody who is just regurgitating other material.

Depth on different levels is so important to me. You look at a band like The Beatles, all their material has so much depth to it. And I want people to be able to run away with my melodies and get lost in them and take the lyrics and be able to relate to them.

I am not worthy to be on a Mariah Carey record. She's a true artist, so I just step back and watch the genius occur.

If I was just to shut up, I wouldn't be a true artist.

My parents have been with me every step of the way.

To be a true artist, I have to be true to who I am now and write that way.