Really, everything for me comes from "Manifestra." It was an incredible gift of a song; it really describes an important moment in my life.

I always write from rhythm first, so if I need a song fast, I have to start there. Then I just threw some electric guitar at it.

As I've gotten older, I have gotten a lot better at finding the pleasures of making music despite the business of it.

I started to understand what the song could be about. The ache of nostalgia even for things we don't like, the commitment to keep moving despite that ache. It made me think of how I relate to my privilege - as a white person, as someone who grew up upper middle class.

I like garage band for writing because you only have crayons and there are only five crayons in the box. Your choices are limited and I find that to be very good for me.

My approach to writing and recording now is pretty much the same as when I started. Except now I worry even less about what people will think of what I made. And I am not drunk.

I am really pleased to hear each of my songs described as a total surprise. This is what I want!