I don't like to disappear between records. I like to play shows while I'm making the record.

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

I really believe there's more honesty in one live show than there may be in my whole output.

I still play solo shows. And some of those shows are still some of the best, most gratifying shows.

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.

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'm coming from a place that's more experimental and indulgent already, so for the last 10 years, it's been more like, "How can I defend my own sensibilities by writing a nugget of a little catchy pop song?" That's how I'm stretching myself, by writing something really simple.