Being in the studio is a really romantic time.

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.

Songs come from all over the place. You can't predict what you're going to like. You might like something that doesn't fit right now. What was working for you at one point, something you've loved for years and years, when you get together with everybody, you think, this doesn't match up with what's going on with you personally.

I still think of myself as from Illinois.

Some things feel really good to sing: there's a physical aspect, but there's more to it - a deeper place you go to.

Lyrics are kind of the whole thing; it's the message. Something might have a beautiful melody but if it's not the truth coming out of your mouth, it's not appealing

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.