I know my own limitations. And if somebody says, "I need songs for a cartoon garage band - they look like this and they should sound like this," it gives you a direction. I like having that kind of assignment.

I think trying to be offbeat is the most boring thing possible.

You just want to go back to those 70s albums. Even a lot of the 90s indie records were still done on tape, and you hear the difference.

I've been arguing with people for 10 years about tape versus digital, and I believe tape is absolutely essential in getting the sound that's conducive to the enjoyment of music.

You have to shelve a lot of your inspiration. There's only so much you can do with one record.

The only way I was allowed to play was by convincing bands to let me do a few songs while they set up. That went on for years.

Set your guitars and banjos on fire and before you write a song smoke a pack of whiskey and it'll all take care of itself.