A real foolproof way to do it is play your stuff by hook or by crook and build up a grass roots following

But I can't really say there is too much modern music that I'm blown away by at this moment

I'd have these weird experiences where I'd just be walking down the street with this chord progression in my head, this happened more than a few times, and I'd walk home and find a fax in my machine and it would match the music in my head

I actually am always a music first person

I got a publishing deal with BMG, they were supportive, and some money to record demos

My first two records were more energetic; Phantom Moon is subtle, quiet; so these various reactions are just something I expected

Emerson, Lake & Palmer or King Crimson or Gentle Giant - the worst prog rock references I can come up with. Though I totally loved those groups as a kid.