What started out as a childhood pastime for Australian singer/songwriter Missy Higgins [ tickets ] has turned into a successful international career, earning her six ARIAs in her native land and an impressive stateside following.

[Click here to view the video footage of Missy Higgins' performance.]

Rather than search for songwriting inspiration from outside sources, Higgins said she turns inward.

"I tend to mull things over, overanalyze them and work myself up into a bit of a state, then find myself in a position where I have to write a song or otherwise I'm going to go mad."

Regardless of her method, Higgins' creative talent captured the attention of established producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Paul McCartney), who worked on her most recent Reprise Records release, "On A Clear Night."

Higgins, who just finished a US tour alongside Brett Dennen and Mason Jennings, is traipsing across the Midwest through early August.