I was just learning to play guitar when Tracy Chapman came out. She wrote these songs, she played them by herself and I so admired her for that.

I had my guitar and some talent so that I could make friends with intelligent people and could talk my way out of difficult situations.

I listened to Billie Holiday a lot in order to learn to sing. She remains one of the extraordinary jazz singers. But my intent is to become my own voice, to be able to interpret these songs in my own way.

I'm very conscious of developing my singing, technically and stylistically. I want it to become more individual, express more of me. That's my goal. These songs are steps along that way.

I love playing to people and seeing them react.

Once I was in the city, I really enjoyed it. Just to experience things. There was so much new stuff.