How has the creative process changed between The Dreaming Fields and Come Away With Me?

I think we spent more time focused on what we wanted the production end of the record to sound like. Usually when you go into the studio with a band, you have several jam sessions—the inspiration period, so to speak. This time, we didn't spend as much time focused on just lyrical content, but really dulling the harsh tones of instruments. We wanted [Come Away With Me] to sound very mellow, smooth, relaxing; we wanted a record that you could lounge with in a coffee shop and just pay mind to the simple things for awhile.

You're musically known for very emotionally sensitive material. How did you incorporate what your fans have loved into a new, more mellow sound?

Come Away With Me is less about trying to figure out why [someone] may feel a certain way, and more about just enjoying simplicity. I like to think of each recording for this record as a "walk in the park"; it's less of a thrill-seeker. We definitely kept some level of emotional consciousness in the album, but I think we were all wanting the record to sound more relaxed and enjoyable, less depressing or storm-strewn.

The first single is "If We Ever Come Here Once Again", a mellow piano-jazz tune about revisiting old lovers in old places. What was the inspiration for this song?

It's funny that you ask. I think many fans remember Stephen Adrian Ebel, which was a whole record of songs about this guy I had been with for some time. "If We Ever Come Here Once Again" is like summarizing most reminiscent ideas about relationships. I think we all look back to a time we were with someone and wonder what would happen if we ever saw that person, or were in that same place with that person, again.

Can you give us a glimpse into some of the other songs that will be on Come Away With Me?

I would say my favorite song is the title track, which is a cover of the original song by Norah Jones. Other songs, like "Never Too Late" and "Portraits", talk about ideas of being in love with someone you've never met. I have a tendency to daydream, and with that comes these imaginative men that share my time. It's somewhat horrifying to daydream about love, but quite comforting; I feel less alone more often.

This being the fifth album you've released, how do you think the process will evolve for future albums? Does it get easier or harder to find new things to write about?

I've always had a difficult process of writing. I reach writer's block in 2.5 seconds most often when I sit to write. But at times, songs can just flow from a feeling or idea that I've carried in my mind for some time. Most of Come Away With Me is built on the flow of feelings or ideas; I spent less time trying to be catchy or creative with these songs, and I think it pays off to do things in their own time. Over time though, I think the process will always be somewhat difficult. Every record presents a challenge, and while I enjoy most of the process, the old saying goes, "no pain, no gain", and it's true.