I started with the classical violin when I was 6, and I guess it went well.

I think you translate emotion better when you take your hands off.

I don't get recognised in London or at home either - very seldom anyway. Either that or I look so crazy no one wants to come up to me.

I find the songs I want to record by listening to as much music as I can. 'When I hear things I really like, I ask the writers to send me a tape of everything they've ever written.

It's impossible to make a record when you're ill because it affects how you listen to things. You can't make decisions. It all sounds terrible.

I still think of myself as from Illinois.

A whole album to one writer - now that would be really interesting.