It's tragic that you can define a whole movement in music by gender alone. People are like, 'Oh, look, another quirky girl.'

You know, my mum's always encouraged me and never made my gender an issue, I guess. She brought me up to believe in equality, as opposed to feminism or sexism - so it just meant that my gender was not relevant to what I was capable of achieving.

I'm not a downtrodden woman. I just won't be.

When you research prolific songwriters, it is usually later in their career they write songs that they distance themselves from, or it's about other people.

There's a long line of difference makers in my family. I'm following in the footsteps of some really strong men and women who have showed me what it means to give back; it's the greatest way to fulfill yourself.

Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever. Jesus is God's perfect, indescribable gift. The amazing thing is that not only are we able to receive this gift, but we are able to share it with others on Christmas and every other day of the year.

As a director, obviously you should challenge yourself. It's important, because it's this thing that takes you away from your family for years. You have to really love the thing you're doing. It's very important.

I really wanted to do 'Modern Family,' and I really liked the script, and I liked the people.