I was always really interested in the reality of things - the two sides to every story - and I always had a darker perspective on things. Even as a kid I would watch the world news for hours just to get a sense of what was going on in the world.

I've always loved California; I'll probably always live here on the West Coast, at least long-term. But I do love coming to New York. The energy is totally different, and I always have a lot of fun there. I always end up staying up all night! I look at my friends, like, "How do you guys do this every day?"

I think a lot of people read the album cover as something scary or creepy. I think it's something positive...something lasting.

I'm always excited to make the next album because I definitely get sick of my work the second it gets out there.

I read the reviews sometimes, but I don't let it really affect the next album because, for me, when I approach an album, it's usually coming to me pretty naturally. It's not like I set out, like, "Okay, I'm going to write an album this month." It's more like I'm just always writing songs and eventually I start to realize that a group of songs sort of fits together, and I go from there in putting together the album and themes and artwork and things like that.

I was really inspired by intense nature and landscapes, and I'm always inspired by open spaces and giving room for things to grow sound-wise and visually. I have a bit of claustrophobia myself which I think translates into my music.

I prefer not to overthink things because I think if I did I would never end up releasing anything. I tend to just follow my instincts when it comes to imagery or whatever is inspiring me. I just fit it together in a weird way, and I have to let it go at some point or else I would hold onto it forever.