My mother listened to John Denver while pregnant with me, and I guess it just stuck. I began writing my own songs in elementary school -- as soon as I could pick out a few notes on the piano. My brothers introduced me to Woody Guthrie (who is an acquired taste worth acquiring), and Dylan and Springsteen walked in his shadow. After "losing my religion" for many years, Derek Webb made it possible for me to write songs about my faith again. I believe that folk music belongs to everyone (download it, share it, copy it, change it, etc.). I believe that folk music should be simple and not overproduced. I believe that folk music has a conscience, and cries out for justice on behalf of the poor, the outcast, and those on the fringes of society.