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.

The earth almost looks like it's packed down and dense from so many feet treading over it.

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.

It's not set in stone. I like to keep it rolling and changing, and so I am like, "Great, I get to remake my song."

The music that I write is often not necessarily full of doom and gloom. You'll notice in most of the darkest songs, the music is actually pretty peaceful and lulling.

I have some irrepressible pop impulses to write an appealing, concise song. And I also have some irrepressible kind of restlessness as well, and I need to keep myself interested. When I'm left to my own devices, there's a struggle.

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