I never considered myself part of rock 'n' roll. My stuff was more adult. It was more difficult for teenagers to relate to; my stuff was filled with more despair than anything you'd associate with rock 'n' roll. Since I couldn't see people dancing, I didn't write jitterbugs or twists. I wrote rhythms that moved me. My style requires pure heart singing.
I want to grow as an artist, and I'm taking a step out. I want my music to mature.
I wanted to play some more grown-up music - jazz.
Yes, maturity in life brings maturity to the music I make.
I've been trying to grow up some myself, in my heart, and it's happening quick and I feel good about it, and I want that to come out in the music.
I make grown-folks music, and I'm cool with that. I accept that. I try to be witty while also delivering a message.
I just really longed to do music that reflected me as an adult and music that I thought was for other adults.
Getting older, you just don't want to sing fluffy.
The music I write, I feel, is not the kind of music for a 25-year-old.
I don't have to worry about any pop sensibility. I can write adult songs, and I don't have to worry about choruses and hook lines.
