I've been used for writing rhythm guitar chords for a long time because it's so easy to play and chords just sound good on it.

Sometimes, I do have something to say, so I'll sit there and I'll write a song to someone - and then I just throw it away because it makes me cringe.

The same people that always think I'm pretentious will think I'm pretentious, and the people who relate to me will continue to relate to me.

I read a lot - surveys of vernacular music. A lot of it is the Harry Smith Anthology of American Folk Music, which I've loved since I was in high school. They had it at the library and I always thought that was interesting, even when I was into punk and stuff. Just the history of storytelling and the amount of melancholy a lot of old music has.

When I do a record, it sounds more punk and raw. Or it will sound louder, or it will sound more shocking. Or mind-boggling. I'll be trying to figure it out, but once I've got it figured out I'll be like, I know this; I know where this came from. I think art is most interesting when the intention is not clear.

That's what culture is based on, the passing down of a certain narrative by imitation.

I don't leave my room, and all I am surrounded by are guitars and equipment, y'know? It's not always the best place to be.