I'm appalled by the tendency of some rock records to perfect everything to the point where it sounds like Botox and polish it so heavily that there's no humanity left in it.

I never want to listen to the songs in front of people close to me. There's an emotional honesty in that place where it's not earnest but it's vulnerable.

I'm definitely preoccupied by thinking I'm just a biological thing. I want to feel that there's more, but so often I'm reminded of how we're just like baboons, basically.

Music was my friend when I was a teenager, and I would inhabit and take comfort in lyrics. That's how I want to write.

I started growing roses. I enjoyed the craft of it and that they're difficult to look after; they can provide joy.

I like the fervor of religious music, the zealous aspect - that preachers can go from a conversational cadence into this passionate singing.

When you're making an album with people who made your favorite records as a rebellious teenager, it feels like you've achieved something.

You can get into a comfort zone writing lyrics, like wearing a mask. But I wanted to feel uncomfortable when I was listening back to the lyrics; I wanted to squirm.

I like simple writing. I'd rather read Hemingway than Burroughs.

I was definitely inspired by gospel music, or old-school R&B I got into some Good God gospel compilations.

I'm just worn down and weary of bands whose lyrics are cryptic and self-referential.

Long-term goals provide focus, but inspiration comes from the accomplishment of short-term goals.

Ambition had a price, and that price was friendship.

For fear you will be aloneyou do so many thingsthat aren’t you at all.

Pioneering is never done in front of cheerleaders urging on a roaring grandstand of popular approval.

The rocket worked perfectly except for landing on the wrong planet.

Our constitution enshrines the rule of law, freedom of worship and expression, we cherish these values too.

For women, I take inspiration from strong women with good aesthetics and integrity, and a little tomboy influence.

You're much better than fireworks. They're all over in a moment, and you're going to stay for a fortnight. Besides, fireworks are noisy, and they make too much smoke.

You can't be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning.