So I studied a lot with the balloon, and in learning how to sing with other musicians and keep in time - that's all by touch. A lot of that I feel in my body, and growing up with hearing I have pretty good muscle memory, and I was born with near perfect pitch.

My feeling of security really went down the tubes when I couldn't hear anymore. When it got dark, I'd get very afraid because I can't hear people coming up behind me.

My understanding of current music stopped in 2006, so I am continually inspired by music from the past. Three Dog Night, Harry Nilsson, Bob Dylan, Herman’s Hermits, Association, Eagles, Beatles, Stones, Turtles, Animals... this list goes on forever."

I grew up with hearing, so I have a really good understanding of music theory and the structure of music.

It's my privilege and honor to cook three meals a day for my family, and it's a luxury on a level that I didn't even realize, because it can be relentless for me on some days. You have pride in how you take care of your family.

I remember 'Resurrection Boulevard.' It was on for such a brief moment, but they were trying to do a good, Latino, Mexican-American family with a patriarch.

From a very young age, I had this idea that if you are very successful in your career, and you're giving all of your attention to that, then your family life... possibly will not flourish as it might.

My mother graduated from high school at 15 and went to work to support the family because the eldest son went to college.