My feeling is that I think writers in general tend to be self-conscious and it takes a bit of a leap of faith or just not giving a sh-t to write something you know people are going to criticize.
Conor OberstI think there's a danger, for me at least, in retreating and going inward and depression. I have to stay diligent against that tendency.
Conor OberstThe idea of forever is kind of ridiculous, which is unfortunate because its kind of a nice thing to say, you know. I think it softens the blow of mortality and having to say goodbye to everything you know and everyone you love and all that kind of thing.
Conor OberstArt is essentially communication. It doesn't exist in a vacuum. That's why people make art, so other people can relate to it.
Conor OberstEvery time I finish a song... most of the time it's in my own head, like this sounds too much like a Townes Van Zandt song, or whoever. I realize there are so many melodies and chord progressions in pop and rock music that are so similar that you can kind of trace it back to other things. Most of the time it's just in your head.
Conor Oberst