Quotes

My dad had cable and my mom didn't, so my sisters and I were glued to the screen watching music videos all day. We especially loved Michael Jackson, Prince, and Sade. That's when I made the decision that I wanted to be a performer. But I knew, even then, that I didn't want to be the girl who's shaking her butt in the corner. I wanted to be the girl running the show.

[on being featured on a Britney Spears track from her album Femme Fatale (2011)] I grew up watching Britney's videos. It's crazy to want to be a part of the music industry my entire life and then get the opportunity to be featured on a record by one of my idols.

[Talking about her love with dancing] I remember watching the "Michael Jackson: Moonwalker" video over and over and trying to pick up Michael's moves.

I used to lock myself in my closet and listen to my favorite songs and try to imitate the singer. No matter who it was, Justin Timberlake, Brandy Norwood, or Alicia Keys, I could mimic exactly how they sounded. That's how I got comfortable with my voice.

I'm a pop artist, but I want to bring some rawness and urban swagger to the table. I'm really inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill, Bat for Lashes, Florence and the Machine, and Lykke Li. They are strong women with a unique point of view who have something substantial to say. I want to be able to address real issues in my songs, but still keep it sounding fun. It's okay to have party songs, but I don't want to make cookie-cutter music. I'm looking forward to everyone hearing what I can do.

Just because a situation is comfortable or it's all you know, doesn't mean it's where you need to be... Especially if your gut tells something isn't right or you shouldn't be there for whatever reason.

[remembering Aaliyah on the 10th anniversary of her death] Rest in peace Aaliyah... She will always be loved and never forgotten. She touched me for sure and so many others. I will never forget learning "4 Page Letter" and performing it in the mirror after school everyday (5th grade)... I decided I was a singer shortly after. Love her forever.

Whenever I get a gut feeling about someone or something not being right, it's usually right on point, the problem is sometimes I ignore that feeling and rationalize it, until something happens that proves I should of trusted my first though all along... I'm getting better at it though.

Personally I have seen and endured some of the effects related to poverty, lack of education and the lack of opportunity. Something in me has always felt the need to to make a difference... somehow. I am not here to preach but I do hope that through my creative outlets I can help inspire myself, the world, and everyone around me for the better... and most of all... I just want to make great music.