My entire life, I was told I was an old soul. I never really connected with other children when I was growing up.

I've lived through a lot of dark environments one way or another while growing up and that has influenced my songwriting.

Growing up I really loved Mazzy Star, The Cranberries, Fiona Apple, Everything But The Girl. I listened to a lot of really random things too that I would find by myself. I would find Minnie Riperton albums that I would fall in love with, also, a lot of old country records.

I think for me I'm always... I find myself to be a very curious person when something interests me and I find that I'm attracted to that mystery.

I follow the faith of all religions. My mother gave me abundant love when I was a child. She taught me the ways to lead life, and I have been a firm believer in all religions since then.

My parents moved around Stockton and Lodi. I had a lot of anxiety about jumping into another classroom. They were always putting me in special ed. But I was smart; I wasn't like these kids in the special-ed classes. But it would make me feel a little bit stupid.

Today, loss is something everybody feels. It could be the loss of a friend moving away. It could be your best friend moves to the other side of town or his family does. It's a loss.

It is true for my family and many others: Adoption has made us infinitely richer in the ways that matter most.