Being on a microphone nightly has made me better at what I do, made me better able to sing a little bit, but also more confident at trying it.

Ray Cappo never tried to convert me into a Krishna, although one of his cohorts probably did. I think it was just about being wrapped up in this thing. Hardcore, at one point, meant everything to me. Now you look back, and I still think it's cool, but to some extent I grew out of it. Other things became a bigger priority for me.

The Replacements are the foundation for a lot of what came after in alternative and college rock. Let It Be is their best record and has the most diverse collection of songs. Some pop stuff, some heavy stuff, and some real moments of beauty like 'Sixteen Blue' and 'Androgynous.' It's a record I always go back to.

There's somewhat of a real fascination with American bands and American mythology in London.

There are nights when I think that Sal Paradise was right / Boys and Girls in America / Have such a sad time together.

I think making the songs is to put strength in the community in some way.

I'm not only a songwriter but I'm a massive music fan and I love going to shows. It's different than reading a book.