But really important, perhaps most important is the craft; how you make your record, the creation of these sonic worlds you want your listener to hear.

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

But really important, perhaps most important is the craft; how you make your record, the creation of these sonic worlds you want your listener to hear.

Happy music doesn't tend to move me much

Simon Hale, the British arranger, does all string and wood arrangements on my records

Ultimately, if I'm really moved by something, it's going to go on the record and that's that

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.