So I started chanting when I was nineteen, which was about twelve years ago, and it really had a huge impact on my outlook, happiness, and general creativity.

I actually think sadness and darkness can be very beautiful and healing.

Lately I've been a workaholic. I'm in the studio all the time and I've helped to produce a couple of artists

My second record was all about big ideas - I was trying to make big statements about the culture, about life. I think in a certain way, I was a 27 year old kid with a guitar

I try to make sure that the Buddhism is more or less implicit in the music rather than explicit

Things come to me pretty regularly. There is never a shortage or a backlog

But I can't really say there is too much modern music that I'm blown away by at this moment

I certainly wouldn't say that my life is a disaster, but there have been moments where I've felt like that

My first two records were more energetic; Phantom Moon is subtle, quiet; so these various reactions are just something I expected

But really important, perhaps most important is the craft; how you make your record, the creation of these sonic worlds you want your listener to hear.

It's inevitable your environment will influence what you do

Always show kindness and love to others. Your words might be filling the empty places in someone's heart.

I believe that it is my right and responsibility as an American to question our government when our government is wrong.

New York is my Lourdes, where I go for spiritual refreshment... a place where you're least likely to be bitten by a wild goat.

Certain materials suggest ideas and ways of working.

We're not perfect every time. We make mistakes just like everybody else. But, we stay on top of it, and we stay with it, and we make sure we get it right.

If it's dangerous to talk to yourself, it's probably even dicier to listen.

You can't drown yourself in drink. I've tried; you float.

If it's bad art, it's bad religion, no matter how pious the subject.

I believe that my choosing my present course I do no dishonor to them, or to those who may come after me.

Forget mistakes. Forget failure. Forget everything except what you're going to do now and do it. Today is your lucky day