Alicia Keys: Motherhood inspires me

Alicia Keys writes better songs now she's a mother.

The 34-year-old is a pro at churning out chart toppers, including popular hits such as No One, Girl on Fire and Fallin'.

Music took a backseat when the star and her husband Swizz Beatz had their first child, son Egypt, in 2010. Second child Genesis followed in December last year but motherhood hasn't had a negative impact on the songstress' career - quite the opposite.

"Since I have kids, I write better songs," she smiled to the German edition of Glamour magazine. "They are the reason I see life and love on a new level. I've seen sides to myself that I previously didn't even know existed."

Alicia added that while Genesis is still a bit young to appreciate her music, her eldest is a big fan. And it looks like he might even be set to follow in her footsteps.

"He plays the piano and he and his dad try out new beats together," she revealed.

Alicia is busy working on her new album, which doesn't yet have a title or a release date. But while it's hectic making music and looking after her family, she doesn't differentiate much between work and play.

"There's no difference for me," she revealed. "People often ask me, 'Are you different on stage and at home?' But I've never felt like that kind of artist. I make music about who I am and what I love.