I've never approached classical music in a formal way, ever. I couldn't read very well. I'd have to play every piece and internalize it, almost as if I had written it myself.

The melodies come out so strong that I'm like, "Oh, crap." It's really better if they could both be kind of able to compromise, but the melodies, even more recently, they come out very fully cast and formed.

I also don't believe that "everything happens for a reason," which is in a similar category of world-views.

I put a lot into my records, and I won't release anything I'm not totally thrilled with.

I've always felt that dark lyrics with dark music is pretty useless. Maybe that's a strong statement - not useless, but for me, it's just boring.

All the folks I play with come from jazz backgrounds or at least appreciate spontaneity within the parameters of a pop song.

No, it's not dissatisfaction that inspires me to tinker with my songs, it's just restlessness.