How would you describe what inspires you to do what you do?

The music seems to bring a calm when people listen and to me when I sing it.

What artists do you feel akin to or in the same tribe with?

Wynton Marsalis. He is passionate in promoting Jazz, history, remembers to shine the light on his roots and yet, is progressive.

What elements do you look for in a song that makes it especially satisfying for you to perform?

So far, every song I've recorded directly related to that moment. I love songs that tell a story we need to be reminded of, thus why sing so many love songs.

Of your touring and gigs so far in your career, do any stand out as being particularly memorable or defining moments?

The most memorable and defining moment was singing "Someone To Watch Over Me" in the Saharwian refugee camps, located in the most inhabitable outpost of Algeria in '01. This wave of my voice went out into the audience and it came back in a warm echo via the Saharwian women's warbling voices.

What in your life outside of your music drives you in a creative sense?

In my life, whenever I see or hear of an injustice, be it economic or social, it fuels my creativity. It drives me to have a bigger voice and a voice that could open the heart at that moment and allow a shift in the situation.

What would you define as the most life-changing event so far in your musical career?

Probably having my biggest hit, "Santa Baby" accredited to Marilyn Monroe and the direction that took with other artists and fans around the World.

At what point in your life did you make the decision to become a professional musician and actually record your own albums?

In 1997, was the beginning of creating product to have a voice in my acting career. It was further accented by the shift in the economic trends. Away from investments in IRAs, stock market and investment into self and other micro economic ideas. 1999, saw the launch of a micro indie company as "Santa Baby" was recorded for $300 (albeit originally a personal gift) and launched via a used computer on the Internet during the MP3.com revolution. And idea that even displaced citizens could partake in with their own product, own ideas and was environmentally responsible.

What are you most proud of at this point in your life and career?

Obviously, the most proud point is my son, as any parent feels. Then probably would be being nominated for a shared Nobel peace prize, which helps highlight all the wonderful peace works being created by over one thousand of us women in the world and the tens of thousands of women (they, like I) we represent.