What inspired the title "Drive" for your album?
“Drive” the album was named after “Drive” the song, which is among the most personal and important songs for me off of the album. It’s about connecting with yourself when times get tough and remembering the power and strength that comes from just being you. “Drive” was actually the first song we wrote and writing it was such a healing, cathartic experience for me- it brought me back to myself and my power during a very tumultuous time in my life, so it seemed a fitting title for the album as a whole.
What is your favorite song on the album and why?
Each song honestly has a special place in my heart. “Drive” will always be my favorite because it was the first and it changed my life. My favorite to play live is “Paradise Lost.” “Tiny Boxes” is the most personal, and making the “Goodbye July” music video was one of the best experiences of my life, and that process gave the song a whole new and even deeper meaning.
Who is the one artist you would love to work with?
Honestly, I am always in awe of musicians and singers and songwriters- to work with any of the greats would be more than an honor! I just saw Sara Bareilles play, and she is just astonishing live. That would be a dream come true. I am also currently obsessed with Lin Manuel Miranda, so I’d pretty much wash his car if he asked me to!
What do you want fans to take away from your album?
My goal is always that people who listen to my music feel something. I don’t know where I’d be without music, without the songs that get me through the tough times and the good ones. I love the idea that my music could be a part of that for someone. I think it would be the greatest thing in the world if my music made someone feel less alone. I believe we all really are in it together.
I know you are heavily involved in charities that deal with self love. How do you deal with insecurities?
Honestly, the way I have dealt with my insecurities is by being really honest with myself and other people about them. I think we often have these ideas that if other people knew how flawed we were, how imperfect and how insecure we are, that we would be rejected. The truth is that we all have insecurities. We all have flaws. I have found that the pain of feeling this way is alleviated by talking about it and by accepting it. Also, by trying every day to be the best version of myself I can be. I have spent the better part of my life trying to be my best, to be kinder, more compassionate, empathetic, direct, grounded and as happy as I can possibly be. It’s been really challenging, especially in the music industry, but I think I am making progress. And that’s what life is really about -- progress.
What is the best thing about yourself?
This is a hard one!! I think the best thing about being me is that I am very emotionally connected to myself and to the people around me. I love connection. The times when I can get out of my head and into my body, into the moment (either by making music, by being around all the people I love, by being in nature…) are when I feel the most like myself, the most free. I think the best things about all of us are the things that make us feel alive, that help us actively engage with the world.
" I think the best things about all of us are the things that make us feel alive, that help us actively engage with the world."