I think nowadays it doesn't really matter where we are physically located. We create our own culture around us to a large extent, whether it's what we're listening to, what we're watching, what we're reading - it can have very little to do with one's immediate cultural environment. We are in a global culture in that respect.

Sometimes a little compromise isn't a bad thing. You don't need to be precious about it.

During the lifetime of Japan I became very neurotic, very paranoid.

I like to explore a lot of textural, arrangement aspects in the studio.

Zen Buddhism is a discipline where belief isn't necessary.

I knew that I had to find my own voice, both figuratively and literally.

People are afraid to ask musicians to be involved in projects because they anticipate being turned down. Young artists hesitate before contacting me. People in my position don't get approached often enough.