able to do that and relate to people on a more significant way as well.
I can understand how difficult that must be for you. Where do you draw the strength from to be able to get up on a stage and share all that with other people?
I think it's a lot scarier to think about then once you actually do it. I think we all have ways of helping each other and connecting with each other in life.
I think that if by telling your own story can make a difference for just one person that will change the whole world. As an artist, even with my songwriting. Even though a lot of my stuff is inspired by dark experiences that I've gone through , I've always tried to leave my listeners with a sense of help.
Yes, I get it. I get what you're going through. I get that you've experienced darkness in your life but there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's always kind of been one of my artistic missions to help others with what I do.
It's difficult to think about 'Oh, my gosh. I'm going to self disclose some realy, realy intimate details about my life to a room full of complete strangers. But if you think about the potential outcome of saving somebody and helping them and being able to relate to them, it's totally worth it.
Are a lot of the songs you write based on personal traumas that you've gone through?
I try to write about a variety of issues. A lot of them,obviously, are based on my own life experiences (laughs). Yes a lot of it is coming from personal trials and tribulations but then I also like to make commentary on social issues that are going on in the world.
Sometimes I delve into the realm of politics or just issues I feel need addressing in general. On my last album it wasn't based on my personal experiences but experience that I'd seen friends go through, that are very near and dear to me.
I wrote a song all about abusive relationships which was, obviously, a pretty heavy hitting topic to talk about. Again, I believe in the power of music as a universal language to connect and relate with people.