Who do you credit with being your biggest inspiration in moving you into such a successful career in music?

It has always been clear to me that what I want to do in life is sing. From ever since I can remember, I have lived and breathed music. It didn't have anything to do with one single artist that I looked up to -- there were so many! Music reviews that I've had so far have called my music a unique combination of styles, but I know that I'm in debt to numerous musicians that have influenced me. I listen to all kinds of music from Tribe Called Quest to Frank Sinatra to Death Cab for Cutie to Antonio Carlos Jobim.

What question do you wish someone would ask you that has never been asked of you in an interview? 

Congratulations on winning 40 million dollars in the lottery! What were the winning numbers?

Picture a free day, all to yourself, away from the crowds, away from any obligations whatsoever.  What would you likely do with that time?

I would have a big old breakfast with chocolate-croissants and latte and the works, watch a great movie during the day, hang out with friends all evening playing pool, chatting, eating a nice dinner at a nice restaurant (hmm... lots of eating here...) and drinking wine. Nothing too strenuous or anything that requires using my brain, unless it's scrabble. 

Is there an underlying philosophy of life that you can credit for the success you have achieved in your career?

Yes. I have always tried to make my life an adventure -- that's my philosophy right there. I had a successful singing career back in my home country Finland with chart-topping hits and local Grammy awards. I traded all that for an adventure! Had I not made an effort to see the world and had I not been open to living in a different country, I would have surely missed out on the opportunity to make music here in the US. I would have probably had a very comfortable existence back home, but I prefer to experience as many different things in life as possible. 

What personal non-music goal would you most like to achieve yet in your life?

Well, I think the ultimate non-music goal in my life would be to have kids and have them grow up to be intelligent, kind, compassionate and sane people. I think that is the biggest challenge I can imagine right now.  Other than that, the daily struggle of trying to be a better person on every level, 
evolving as a human being.

Going as far back into your childhood as you can remember, what was the first song you heard that really grabbed you? 

This may be slightly surprising, but I listened to a lot of Dolly Parton growing up. My mom listened to her in the car and I remember being very much in love with the song "Jolene." At that age I didn't understand the lyrics too much, back then it was the music and the melody that touched me. Later of course I learned to love the song even more, when I realized the depth and emotion in the lyrics as well, that song is a true classic. Dolly Parton is such an amazing woman!