Alessia Cara

I barely have time to think. But the best way to stay grounded is to take it one day at a time. ”

The first time I sang in front of an audience, I was about 14 - it was at my guitar school's showcase, and there were about 30 people there. I was so nervous, but I did it. ”

Singing was something I always did. I really don't remember a time when I wasn't singing, even as a little child. ”

Every time I sing, it it's a reminder to myself that I have to be confident. ”

Music was something I found on my own. I got my first guitar when I was around 10, and it just all developed over time. ”

The biggest critics are in the comments online. People are so judgmental of me. It's like, 'Why is she wearing this?' or 'Why isn't she wearing that?' or 'Why does she talk like that?' That's the worst because they're judging for no reason. ”

As a young girl, I'm always going to have to work a bit harder to prove myself; that's just reality. But having to work harder makes me feel like girls are stronger, too. ”

I don't want to have one hit, one song of the summer, and then have me disappear forever. I really want my things to last, and I want my songs and my bodies of work to resonate with people. I want to hit people - at least make a dent in them. I want to make a mark somehow. ”

When you're from an unknown place, I think it's hard for you to believe it's possible. You think you have to go to L.A. or New York to make it, but I don't think that's true. I'm glad to be an example that you can make it from where you are. All you need is talent and hard work. ”

Real social situations are taking a back seat to social media. ”