 Inspired by the example of Daniel Johnston , Diamandis decided to compose her own music and stop going to auditions ; she taught herself how to play the piano and recorded music on a keyboard . She self @-@ composed and produced her earlier demos with GarageBand , and independently released her debut extended play Mermaid vs. Sailor through Myspace in 2007 . She held discussions with fourteen music labels , rejecting all but one as she believed it was the only one which would not dictate her image . She came to the attention of Neon Gold Records ' Derek Davies in 2008 , which managed her for six months , and was hired as the supporting act for Australian recording artist Gotye . In October , Diamandis finalised a recording contract with 679 Recordings ( eventually renamed 679 Artists ) , a subdivision of Warner Music Group . 
