Music is cyclical and as an artist and songwriter, you need to be able to predict what trend is coming next.

Being a songwriter requires versatility while being an artist requires you to create a cohesive body of work. I truly enjoy both.

Taking constructive criticism from others is required to get to the next level.

My strength is in my ability to be versatile.

No matter what you're going through, there is no temporary feeling or circumstance that can take away the core of who you are.

Home is a place from which you can draw strength.

The people who come out on top in music business have persistence. It is key! Fall down seven times; stand up eight. It takes a lot of courage and an unwavering belief in yourself and your abilities.

Everyone faces challenges from the fierce competition as well as the manipulative crooks that are rampant throughout the music business.

I have certainly faced my fair share and will likely come across more. These experiences have been fuel for my music. Facing these challenges has forced me to recognize my own inner strength.

Knowing how to market yourself and your press materials is key.

In Europe, radio stations are owned by a variety of different entities, so there is less uniformity on radio programming and more opportunity for artists to get radio play and break overseas.

There are only two forces that unite men - fear and interest.

I like to change. A new lamp, a piece of art, can transform a room.

A political candidacy built around hope and change and compromise would eventually become a presidency of crisis and confrontation.

The first ninety minutes are the most important.

Once we understand that what happens beyond our control may be just what we need, we see that acceptance of reality can be our way of participating in our own evolution.

I'm strongly into the Bible; I'm strongly into God and religion.I'm pro-life and different things.

The white man has created a devil, to bring chaos upon this earth.

Maybe it is the last chance for Europe to influence standards for world trade. Next it will be between the US and the Asia-Pacific region.

Writing should be testimony to the vast flow of life through us.

[YSL creative director] Hedi [Slimane] is a music-obsessed guy. I might've originally met him through Sky.