I busked from the age of 13 until I was 18.

There are people who can sit down and write a song about any given subject, and they can do it really, really well.

I think it's very interesting, people who can't stand people who whinge and whine. It seems almost like a class issue. Because you think about who is the most positive, who's the most redemptive songwriter that's ever existed in your lifetime?

Sadness is a very interesting idea, this idea of sadness being some kind of default setting that artists will go into. And then I started thinking about this idea of sadness and happiness, and the idea that sadness is very loud, and happiness is quiet.

Do I create conflicts for myself? Sure I do.

Our imagination it is our greatest ally . . . Imagination is a very, very powerful thing. It literally invents the path before you.

I only ever really take out my guitar when I'm miserable, which isn't necessarily a very good time to do it.