Writing music is such a freeing exercise, and it's really nice to play in that world of being confident, vengeful - getting back at all the bad boyfriends. Votes: 22
I listened to John Denver and Simon & Garfunkel. Edith Piaf was a huge favourite. Then I discovered musicals - I loved 'Les Miserables' - and, at about 14, I started listening to David Gray. Votes: 17
You break up, and you say something pathetic, or you don't even speak at all when someone's telling you they don't love you anymore. But then you think about it five minutes later, and you have all these great comebacks! Votes: 15
I got down to business and started writing furiously. I wore my fingers down to a callous state writing with every Tom, Dick and Harry around the world, including a chap named Charlie who plays for a man named Bob, to wrestle my emotions and bring out the raw grit hiding in my tightly guarded sub-conscious. Votes: 13
Honestly, Americans are more open-minded and have the patience and the time for new types of music. In Australia and New Zealand, you must earn your place. Votes: 13
When I went to Memphis and Mississippi and Nashville, I learnt the blues is a whole way of life. I don't really have the blues, but I can appreciate the honesty and the simplicity of it. Votes: 13
You just feel better when you look nice. Votes: 12
I was in a band in Auckland, and I remember they all hated me. They had a big intervention. They said, basically, 'Gin, we think you suck.' I was miserable. I cried and cried. But looking back, that taught me about social skills and how to communicate with musicians. Votes: 12
I'm not aiming to be someone like Christina Aguilera. Votes: 10
I've got a very short attention span, and this has been part of the reason I'm so kind of dumbfounded at the fact that I've still stayed with music. Nothing has ever stuck for me, and music's the only thing that's managed to stick out for a long period of time. Votes: 9
I want a long career in music, so you've gotta keep trying things out; it's gotta get progressively better. Votes: 7
I'd say the key thing is to remain true to what originally got you into music. When I wrote 'Hallelujah,' it ignited me to do music because of the love and joy that I got from writing that song. Down the road, you get all of these opinions from people; just remember what got you started in the first place. Votes: 6
I try not to think too much about where my voice comes from. I'm channeling characters and emotion to come up with beautiful words that tell a story. Votes: 5
When you're young, you need to be silly and be stupid and not be trying to do that when you're 40 in a red sports car. Votes: 5
Being a black sheep is a way I would describe myself. Votes: 5
I'm getting all domesticated. I feel like Susie the homemaker. Votes: 4
I think I was probably a cowboy in a past life. Votes: 3
It's easy listening to a record, but a live performance is so personal and real. Votes: 2
The beauty of being a musician is writing songs. That's the best part. It's therapeutic and honest and private. Votes: 2
You can't go round looking like a rag. Votes: 1
I love the energy in the U.S., you know. Everyone is really psyched. You feel really privileged to be there. Votes: 1
I love playing shows. That's the time I have to really share what I am about. Votes: 1