It isn't necessary to be an untouchable rock-icon guy surrounded by bodyguards and be ushered in and out and have everyone do everything for you. It isn't necessary to change the way you present your band to the public just because you're successful. That happened a lot in the '80s: there was a school of thought that said people would like you more if you acted like you were the unattainable star.

I think it's important for fans to know that but if I'm doing something that inspires me musically then I think it will inspire someone else too.

Maybe sincerity is the new punk. But to me, I think I have to connect with something emotionally, on some level, or I don't care about it. And if I don't care about it, then I don't think anyone listening to it will, either.

I never wrote music or arranged songs or lyrics when I was under the influence of anything but coffee. That's not gone away.

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.

People don't realize how much fun it is to be depressed.

There wasn't a key moment when I knew I wanted to quit.