I'm quite happy for my voice to be pushed up, whereas in the past I wanted it buried with the guitars, or part of the band, not like I was thinking of myself as 'the singer'.

I like patterns in words. I'm not really interested in meaning.

Pretty much every artist in Scotland - musician, writer, poet, actor - they're all part of a thing called the National Collective.

I never trust songwriters who talk about what their song is about.

I've made solo records and that's all been a learning experience. I've just got better at singing and more comfortable with who I am and my voice.

I suppose if a band is like a gang, it is a moment in time.

I've made a living out of music since I was 19, which is something I'm really happy about.

If you want meaning, you read poetry or a novel or something, you don't read song lyrics. You're supposed to listen to them with music.

Playing is a game. Love is an act. Don't pretend to love someone when all you plan to do is play. Love is not a game. It is a lifetime commitment.

Do not be afraid of what should be afraid of you

What was I thinking? He's been tied up for who knows how long and he's injured. I left him there alone to face two guys with guns. Some rescuer I am.

I can't control the wind but I can adjust the sail.

No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation.

My own prejudices are exactly the opposite of the functionalists': "If you want to understand function, study structure".

I've learned about marrying poetry and prose and making both accessible.

A few weeks ago my uncle came over to borrow my dad's socket set and when he asked my dad how he was my dad said oh unexceptional. Living quietly with my disappointments. And how are you

I don’t wanna die, man. They’re not playing. Have you seen how many of them are out there? One just took a shot at me, so unlike you morons, I’m hiding. Hiding is nice. (Vik)

My mother was an exuberant, silly lady.