Best known for her single, "The Way I Am," New York- based indie singer Ingrid Michaelson, took time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about getting her start in the music business, the Flight of the Conchords, and so much more.

The story of you  breaking in to the music scene is a very interesting one, with even the NYT describing your rise to fame as a Cinderella story. Can you tell us about the experience?

People like to glamorize things...i would hardly call it a cinderella story!  But it was a pretty amazing time for me.  I started to work with a licensing company that licenses songs to television and commercials.  Within a half of a year, i had gotten multiple placements on television shows and commercials.  it was those placements, along with a radio campaign and constant touring that laid the groundwork for where I am now.

Who are your greatest music influences?

Certain albums by certain people have influenced me.  Soviet Kitch by Regina Spektor and Transantlantisism by Death Cab for Cutie both helped me to realize that i could be a lot freer with my music.

Your music has been featured in a number of TV shows such as "Scrubs" and "Grey's Anatomy". How important is this in being able to reach the mainstream audience?

For me it was very important and helped me get heard by people that would have never heard me otherwise.

Which contemporary artist would be a dream to collaborate with and why?

Flight of the Conchords because they are amazing.

You recently collaborated with Sara Bareilles for "Winter Song", and also with Marshall Altman for Cheryl Cole's single, "Parachute". Any new, interesting collabs in the works?

Not as of yet.

What advice can you give for aspiring musicians?

I would say to get into music because you simply can not NOT do it.  Don't expect anything but be prepared for everything.

What song is closest to your heart and you just love performing?

I love singing The Chain.  I am proud of that song and it always sounds so beautiful when the full band plays it.

Any message for your Cleveland fans?

HELLO CLEVELAND!  That is a quote from one of my favorite movies.  And it seemed appropriate.

She is currently on tour to promote her new album, "Everybody".  Catch her at the HOB, 308 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH‎ on June 16th, with Matt Morris. Doors at 7pm.