Write your own songs. It helps you to mean what you're singing, which will then make it mean something to listeners.

A lot of my songs are about taking whatever life throws at you and making the most of it.

I took temp jobs, recorded a demo in the evenings and eventually shopped a record deal. All I knew was that I wanted to write songs; thankfully, I also got to sing them.

Music is a very powerful thing. If I'm angry, I can write a song about it, and it seems to make everything okay.

I got a job as soon as I could - 11 or 12. I started babysitting and then I got a part-time job at a pharmacy in England. I just remember loving the feeling of going out and buying my own clothes! I'd go bargain-hunting and get secondhand vintage stuff.

I would love to do something with Coldplay.