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How would you define/describe your music?

This is how I describe it on my myspace page: “ You are sitting on a front porch on a sultry summer evening in the South. A light breeze is blowing through the willow trees. The fireflies are just starting to come out, and your lover is handing you a glass of cool lemonade, or something better...” I think that gives you a sense, but If I had to be simple and perhaps limiting about it, I would say “sultry folk.”

Where were you born?

Just north of San Francisco , California , USA

How has your hometown changed (Musically)?

Well, I come from the land of The Grateful Dead , Santana, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, and many other greats who we don't see around as much anymore. I would say the music scene has changed dramatically since those “local artists” were at their peaks. I'm often sad I missed that era by a hair, but my parents sure enjoyed it.

What are you doing at the moment (Musically )?

I am finishing up a full-length album, which will be released the end of this summer. In my spare time, I'm playing out and lending my voice to other recording projects, including some compilations for various charities.

What would make a great 2007 for you?

I would be a happy girl if after I finished the album and travelled to some tropical place to rest a bit, I came home to hear my music on the radio. That would be a dream come true.

What has been your most defining moment?

Before I started writing music, I worked as a caregiver for people with terminal illnesses. I had worked with people as young as five and as old as 83, but when a young woman my own age, whom I had grown close to, passed on, something in me changed and I knew I couldn't waste a single moment of this life. And I haven't. I don't know if having relationships with people who are dying “defined” me, but you can't help but think a little deeper about your life when you are with some one who is just about to lose hers.

Who do people say your music most reminds them of?

I have heard some pretty funny comparisons, but the one I most frequently get is Norah Jones, a compliment, which I am honoured to receive.

What advice would you give to up and coming artists based on your experience?

Keep true to yourself. I've written songs from my heart, and I have written songs that I hoped would impress my audience, and the latter rarely do. The more truth I tell, the more captivated and moved the audience feels, and that exchange is what makes every minute of hard work and wondering how I will survive this crazy world of entertainment well worth it.

What is your favourite instrument and why?

I have always had a thing for banjos, although I don't play one. I heard some one say once, “There is nothing melancholic about a banjo.” And I think that's why every time I hear one, I can't help but feel content.

Have you ever taken singing lessons?

No, my father would never let me as a child. He thought I would take on some one else's style. But I did work with a great teacher who showed me how to use my breath and body to avoid going hoarse. She actually told me to “sing with my ass.” And it works!

How long have you been singing for?

For Pleasure? Since day one. Professionally? About six years.

Are you a political act, if so what is your view on Iraq ?

I am not a political act in the sense that I express my political opinions to my audience, but I do believe we can make just as much global change by being the people we want to see out there making the decisions. I often allude to that when I perform. As for Iraq , I wish the troops could be at home in the arms of their loved ones right now.

How important is it that artist and musicians take a political stance?

Lately, there have been some big name artists being pretty vocal about what causes they support, and I am impressed with their courage to just get out there in spite of the arguments they may provoke. If some one has millions or even hundreds of people listening to what he has to say, I should hope he would use that to make positive change in some way.

Who in music would you most like to meet – (Dead or Alive)?

Paul Simon. His lyrics blow me away.

How has the music industry changed since you began playing?

Well, I went solo about the same time the digital music world has moved onto the scene. In that way, I can't say it's changed much. But I do find myself searching for quality radio stations and quality music on our airwaves. I think the homogenous sound out there right now may have something to do with HUGE radio conglomerates owning everything. Is it the same in the UK ?

Do you ever collaborate or work with different writers?

Not yet. It's a pretty personal process for me so far.

You have given us an MP3 to play – could you tell us about the song and why you have chosen to display this particular track?

I chose the song, “Impossible,” because it is the song I am most proud of. I wrote it one night after a friend of mine told me he was convinced that women only fall for men who treat them terribly. Unfortunately, I had experienced enough of this phenomenon to be inspired by his words, and I went home and wrote the whole song in about fifteen minutes. It seems that many other people relate to this predicament as well, men and women alike, so it's easy to find oneself in the song. That's always a good thing.

In this country we now call black music urban music – what is your opinion on this change of description?

I think I've always called it by it's genre: spirituals, blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, rap… I haven't called it “black music” or “urban music,” so I don't really know. I guess I would ask whose idea it was to make the change?

Who in your opinion is the most important person in US?

That's pretty hard to narrow down, because I'm sure there are a lot of people out there doing incredible things, who none of us have heard of. But the person I am so impressed with is Al Gore. He has done so much to promote understanding of our impact on this planet. And we Americans really needed a wake-up call about our level of consumption. I know this is radical, but sometimes I am glad the presidency was stolen from him, because he would not have had the time to make the enormous strides he has in the campaign against global warming. It is a real issue that can no longer be ignored, and he helped bring it out of the dark.

Who in your opinion is the most important person in the world?

YOU.

What is your quote for the day?

I just got back from a Lucinda Williams concert tonight and the last thing she said to us before she stepped off the stage was, “Love. Peace. Revolution.” That's a good one for today.