Melody Gardot

“I traveled for about a year and a half through the southern part of Europe, to Portugal, Spain, parts of Morocco, and then down to South America. I was interested in learning new instruments and languages and seeing how they all came together.”

“In truth, inspiration comes from anyone who creates music with great soul and great essence.”

“I only made that first EP because I needed to remember what I'd done. And recording and listening back to the music was a tool to help me do that.”

“I'm a free person. I don't want to be tied down.”

“We all speak the same language, but when someone can speak eloquently or with poise, it's striking. I like that.”

“Most artists I know have gone through some period that forces them to get to the very core of who they are.”

“If anyone can learn anything, they can learn how to appreciate silence and stop every now and then.”

“My mom always sang to me.”

“I'm generally not a materialistic person, but I definitely have more shoes than I need.”

“One cannot advance as a compassionate human being by continuing to do the same thing, living the same way.”

“I was in physical rehab for a year.”

“I forget everything. I forget what time I'm supposed to do things. I forget lovers.”

“I try to make a beautiful show, so people go home happy.”

“I had pelvic fractures at the front and the back, right at the base of my pelvis, so all the pressure would go on those fractures when I sat down.”

“I didn't ask to be a musician, but I see the responsibility of it and I am grateful for it.”

“Oh God I had so many wigs!”

“The people that are inspirational to me are those who are truly struggling.”

“Sometimes I'll try something on piano and move to guitar, but usually that comes after scratching down some ideas for lyrics.”

“I love cafe culture, art and intellect, the long hello and sweet goodbye.”

“Music is one of the only things that helps to reconnect neural pathways in our brain: listening, performing, singing, making a verbal attempt to sing along or hum.”