I think jazz was just seeking respect and validity because a lot of people didn't believe it was a viable art form, and then they got a lot of attention in Europe. A lot of bands that can't catch flies in the US have these followings in Europe, [but] it's less and less the case. American audiences are way more sophisticated and adventurous than anyone thinks that they are.

The way I work, I'm not a confessional singer-songwriter.

Pretty much any given day, barring some major distraction, I get melodies coming to me. Lyrics don't come quite as easily. So I've been inventing little projects and challenges to sort of kick my ass with the lyrics.

There's always that struggle between me wanting to keep [song] new and fresh and then be - I can never get with pop songs being so repetitive.

The anti-aging advert that I would like to see is a baby covered in cream saying, 'Aah, I've used too much'

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.

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