Aping what you've already done is just so dangerous and unrewarding.

It's hard to avoid the past but one goes forward.

If I'm playing a violin thing, for instance, I tend to respond to that sound with the way I finger.

It's been very hard for the guitar as a serious synthesizer to compete with keyboards.

Im better for it and I prefer to keep things simple and see what sounds I can get out of my head and hands rather than relying on a sound that someone else created.

For me, a great show is when there's a great rapport with the band and the audience, and we're all really into it. The first trick is to bring the audience into the band, break the ice, have a life, and be one, so you can enjoy the next hour and a half together.

Of course the playing is important but writing and the establishing of what you are going for is prime too.