When you work with new people, I think that it throws all of the matters into relief, because you have to explain yourself every time. It's like crossing a new border. They want to see your documents.

There are many critics who have an idealised version of where my strengths lie.

You need a platform upon which to release an orchestral record, otherwise it's just going to be an obscurity.

I think when I was younger I was not very good at writing love songs that didn't have a twist.

When in doubt, play track 4 - it is usually the one you want.

Women hear rhythm differently than men.

I don't think I was ever particularly mean. I can certainly think of some idiotic exchanges I've had. I was accused of destroying pop music, like Wagner destroyed opera - a guy in Germany started ranting that at me.