One thing I've tried to do in writing music is take on very basic things, very archetypal things.

I always write the pieces I want to write.

I don't have ideas so much as there are things which constantly evolve... there are various threads or layers, if you like, which change.

When I dealt with set theory, I could never make it be the music that I wanted.

I think there are influences that you open the door to, and influences that come under the door.

Minimalism now is a reaction to what came before. It's absolutely of its time. Music moved into the set theory thing, and moved out of it.

The piece that had a large influence on me was Turangalila.