The song that reminds me of childhood
When I was five or six, my mom bought me a VHS tape of “The Little Mermaid” and I would watch it over and over again. I was obsessed with the moment when Ariel sings “Part of Your World.” There was something about the desire for more, for a different life – even as a child I felt that.
The first song I bought
I remember going to a music store in Times Square in New York and my aunt bought me Christina Aguilera's "What a Girl Wants" on cassette. It was so exciting. Then the first CD I ever bought myself was Lady Gaga's "Just Dance," and it felt like a real moment of independence.
The song you know by heart without realizing it
“Ready Or Not” by the Fugees. I love to sing all of Lauryn Hill's songs, even though I don't remember ever learning them. I just know.
The song I choose for karaoke
“At Last” by Etta James, because it’s iconic and you can sing it with all your heart. Or, depending on your mood, “No Scrubs” by TLC, because as soon as it starts, everyone sings and the atmosphere is instantly lit.
Best song for a party
“New Religion”, by me. I have to say it! It was created precisely for that energy.
The song that wakes me up in the morning
Honestly? It's the barking of my dog, Bear. She can stay in the studio for hours, she even comes on tour with me, and even when everything is extremely loud, she sleeps without a problem. But in the morning? No way.
The song that changed my life
As a songwriter, I’m a little skeptical of sample-based songs. When “Insomnia” by Faithless was approved for “New Religion,” I was surprised. I even went out to brunch with Sister Bliss and asked her if she could send me the originals, and she said, “Honey, they’re on tape.” There’s something about the way music was recorded back then that gives it a warmth that you can’t fake.
The song I can't listen to anymore
“Trampoline” by Shaed, because it was one of “our songs” with my ex. Even though I love him to bits, I can’t go back to that feeling.
The song I secretly like
Growing up, you couldn't listen to songs like "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi—those were the songs our parents listened to. But now I think that's crazy. It's the perfect song to listen to at max volume.
The song that makes me cry
Songs affect you differently, depending on where you are in life. Right now, “Easy on Me” by Adele is really affecting me. There’s something so honest and emotionally naked about it that it opens your soul. /The Guardian/
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