There's a lot of things in life we take for granted. Kids in New York City never see stars because there's too much light in the city.

All kinds of kids from New York and stuff and me from Jefferson, Maine.

Our New York office, ... went to all the major music cities and said, 'Do you want to show us?' Cleveland got the most petitions and raised the most money.

Half these kids are originally from New England or New York.

Obviously, Miami is a different way of life than New York. My grittier street songs are definitely influenced by New York. Just driving down the Bronx in my old neighborhood can inspire me every day. You never know what you are going to see or hear. I can't really say there is one thing that most inspires me from New York. But the city as a whole always gives me material to write about.

There are too many opportunities in New York. We can't live too far away.