I truly respect the people who are working. If they want an autograph from Patti LaBelle they are going to get it. I have never separated myself from them. I never think you are better than the next one.

You pick up loads of baggage with your first record with reaction to it from fans and critics. So I went to Ireland by myself for a couple of weeks with my guitar. I read lots of poetry I read Patti Smith's autobiography and started words and phrases and then songs started to take shape.

I love a lot of the New York bands but Patti Smith stands out. I just read 'Just Kids' and it's an inspirational well-written account of an emerging New York artist in the late seventies.

Think back to yourself at age 18. I know I was mighty different than the Patti I am today. As we grow up we grow out of our haircuts our apartments and - often times - our romantic decisions.