I am really quite fascinated by echo-locating bats and dolphins and have always wondered how sound affects the unconscious brain.

A large part of my work has been collaborating with composers; I think we've commissioned about 140 pieces now, a lot of them percussion concertos.

I think I can only help to expose percussion to all sorts of people. The balance between the lighter and more serious side is important.

I try to plant myself where I am and embrace what is there in front of me.

The thing about playing percussion is that you can create all these emotions that can be sometimes beautiful, sometimes really ugly, or sometimes sweet, sometimes as big as King Kong and so on. And so there can be a real riot out there, or it can be so refined.

Society cannot continue to disable themselves through their need to categorize people or make assumptions as to another individual's abilities.

I've kept a diary since I was 11.