It is interesting seeing young people these days and watching how unimportant music is in their lives compared with our generation.

I was a single parent, and I was prohibited from working.

When you have a creative mind it doesn't stop going.

I think that you have to experience darkness to feel empathy. For all of my failings - and I have many - I do have a complete ability to emphasize with people. And that all goes down to being "other." When you're young you think otherness is a state only you possess. When you get older you realize, "Actually, there's so many of us." In that we find community.

I have never done any other job. I have sung in bands since I was 15. I left school completely unqualified. I have no other training.

I had been with the label since I was 21. The label wanted shiny pop but I didn't. I found a little independent and we've got all these great reviews in England and now it has gone gold.

When you find yourself on stage singing and you are embarrassed about what you are singing in front of your peers, then you have to think about your priorities.