I have pit bulls barking at me on half of the love songs.

Not all the songs are real events, but I do write about stuff that is close to my heart and it comes out one way or another.

A different drumbeat or some vocal overdub could completely transform the song.

I've never quite felt totally comfortable up on stage. I've gotten more comfortable, but drinking wine is a crutch that gives me a little courage. It helps me lose a little bit of the self-consciousness and the awareness of how awkward it is standing on a stage with lights and a bunch of people looking at you while you sing love songs.

It's not hard to connect with the music on an emotional level and get inside the songs. It's odd, very vulnerable, and slightly embarrassing to be standing and singing and playing music in front of a bunch of strangers.