Alicia Keys unyielding promotional haul persists. Despite having 14 Grammy Awards and over 30 million albums sold worldwide, Keys is promoting Girl On Fire as if she’s a new artist.

In addition to delivering impressive vocals on French TV show Taratata and a smokin’ hot performance The X Factor and, the singer-songwriter has landed the cover of Guitar Center. In the issue, she discusses what sparked her interest in music, being influenced by Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin and more.

On what sparked her interest in music… “The first time I ever sang was in kindergarten. My teacher put on this little performance of The Wizard of Oz, and that was the first time I remember learning a song. I remember watching The Wizard of Oz, and rewinding it, and rewinding it, trying to learn the words to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

On musical influences… “As a young musician, I would have to say Nina Simone. That was the first person that was like me–played classical, and also did soul and jazz, and had this way of mixing styles. I had never really heard that from a woman before. Aretha Franklin was a big influence on me too, because of those big, powerhouse vocals–and she’s also a crazy, dope piano player.”

On modern artists that influences her… “I super love Emeli Sandé. She’s definitely at the top of my list. I really appreciate Frank Ocean’s storytelling style. It’s very conversational. I’m loving Alabama Shakes! I love their super raw, southern soul thing, and her voice is so distinctive. It sounds like she’s been in pain for 80 years, and she’s only 20!”

The X Factor

Taratata