Alicia Keys talks to Maire Claire

Hot on the heels of the UK leg of her incredible 'Set The World on Fire' world tour, Alicia Keys graces the cover of Marie Claire UK's July issue which hits the shelves today.

Alicia discusses everything from her new album 'Girl on Fire', her world tour and motherhood through to her marriage and sideline as a director and producer.

On becoming more chilled than ever thanks to hubby Swizz Beatz: "That's When I Knew is definitely an ode to my husband… Honestly I didn't really like him that much. I thought he was too ostentatious,' the songstress explained."
On what Swizz has taught her: "I think we've taught each other a lot,' she says of her husband. 'He's taught me to live more fully and I think I've taught him to live more deeply."

On her first impression of Swizz: "Swizz will have the fastest car, the biggest jewellery, the loudest jacket; everything with him is really over the top. I used to see him and think, "He is so annoying."

On evolving: "You have to speak up. To say, 'I don't like that, it's not cool, don't do that to me', but it's not easy, especially with people you love. I think getting older has made me evolve in a lot of ways and made me more relaxed about saying how I feel, no matter what."

On directing: "I fell in love with directing. Because first of all I didn't have to get up early for make-up and, second, I'm a very diplomatic individual."