I create little challenges for myself, like, 'Okay, whatever you do in this song, you've got to somehow work in Greek Cypriots,' or something like that.

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

Well, my main instrument is violin, but I think of myself as a songwriter who happens to play violin.

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

I don't write poetry and then strum some chords and then fit the words on top of the chords.

My favorite literature to read is fairly dry history. I like the framework, and my imagination can do the rest.

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