Once you sit in front of people and start playing songs, it's all on you. No matter what happens, it's entirely your responsibility the entire time. I like that intensity.

I'm looking California, And feeling Minnesota...

Most frontmen are not born hams like David Lee Roth. We're more like Joey Ramone: awkward geeks who somehow find our place in the world on the stage.

'The Beatles' did whatever they wanted. They were a collection of influences adapted to songs they wanted to write. George Harrison was instrumental in bringing in Indian music. Paul McCartney was a huge Little Richard fan. John Lennon was into minimalist aggressive rock.

I feel like you're not a real musician or entertainer if you can't go into a room, pick up an instrument and entertain people.

My brother brought home 'At San Quentin' when I was about 7, and we played it over and over again.

I got in touch with the creative process between the age of 14 and 16, mainly because I was alone so much.