I was definitely a thespian of sorts in elementary school. I went to a real small private school and every year I participated in the talent shows and the school plays, all of 'em.

I'm always gonna be in opposition no matter what, but I can still cover my bases and do what I like.

I've learned that I shouldn't shrink from success. Though honestly I thought they'd be knocking on my door years ago.

It's really the creature of my own making from top to bottom. I appreciate that. And the good fortune, the perseverance, having the stamina to stick around longer than everyone else even after people write you off - that's always been a good motivating force in my life.

I have a strong impulse to protect history and time and the lineage of events.

When making a record, I could done a new face pretty easily and use all these different devices to hide who I am - or who I was - which really had very little to do with what I was trying to convey.

I envisioned all these people who had been admired for having been freaks in their own time, and I saw myself in line with them.