You tour extensively and your tour schedule often criss-crosses several continents. You've also lived in Harlem, DC, England, Switzerland — a lot of places. What made you decide on making Canada your home?
At the time, immigration was easier on people in Canada than it was in America and we just kind of settled there. Toronto has become my hometown, home away from home. But really, I don't really belong to any one place. I'm a musician. I like not being of just one thing.
A few years ago, you noted in The Independent that you felt like you were still in exile. How do you feel today?
Well, part of me still feel that way. It's what makes my constant touring and traveling just fine because I feel as though I am never really at home in the true sense. So if you're not at home, it's okay to constantly have your bags packed. Psychologically, it kind of does help me.
At what point did you realize that your music had really made an impression upon people?
In 2008, I was playing a string of festivals in the US and I did a show in Honolulu. The turnout was so amazing! The organizers said they had to open up the back of the tent, which is something they never had to do before. At some point in one of my songs, I was singing to this crowd of thousands and I remember about 70% of the crowd singing along. It was amazing, because I haven't had any albums released in the US, at least not widely. I had no radio support, nothing like that. So I didn't understand how they knew the lyrics. It was a real pleasant and incredibly exciting and surprising moment. So much so, I stopped singing in the middle of the show and just started laughing. My band mates were laughing. The crowd didn't know what was going on. I said, "Excuse me, but I just want to ask how you guys know the song." People started cheering and whatever. It was a genuine moment for me, to actually take that moment and realize it and respond to it.
Speaking about your debut, what major obstacles have you had to overcome to break into the American market and let your music see the light of day?
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