If something gets under my own skin, and keeps reoccurring, it starts to take on a certain weight and value, and I think, "I have to put this in the song. I have no choice but to mention Greek Cypriots in this song." It's a little internal challenge to myself. Like creating little imaginary rituals in yourself to help the song go from nonexisting to existing.

I write a lot more when I'm happy, because you're hopeful, you're motivated.

The first notes I still play when I start a sound check are classical. Those are my roots.

I am, in some sense, a writer. Even though I kinda downplay the word thing, I do enjoy writing sometimes.

I've always had levity in my songs, so I like to turn things over, twist them around, and make fun of myself.

I definitely have to give myself permission, like on "Master Swarm," to rip a lead on that. Just play a violin solo that's - it's a bit showoff-y, but it's fun, so who cares?

I think any songwriter or record, no matter how good it is, can become tedious if it's the same person's point of view. After four tracks, you start to get worn down no matter how good it is. It can be relentlessly good, but it's still going to wear you out.