I just pay attention to what's in my head. That's my number-one rule.

Some of my earlier songs are kind of more about mental illness.

There's always a tension between wanting to write a really concise, instant gratification type song that gets under your skin the first time you hear it, and wanting to really stretch out. I think it's a healthy tension.

The idea of writing songs because you're depressed and you need to communicate it somehow, that isn't really true for me.

Playing the violin and singing and whistling are just three different ways of making sound.

When I'm onstage, I'm completely comfortable, and I feel very vital and alive.

Sometimes I think I don't have much choice in the matter. It's just what happens, and I'm following my instincts the whole time.