I think if you're able to make the music you want and you can do it in the right kind of context, you don't have to be a circus ringleader to be successful.

The music industry is not what it used to be. Being in a good band is great, and I've been lucky to be in great bands. I've done solo stuff, and that's been great. I also produce rock bands and I do co-writes, where I write with different singers in bands and songwriters.

My first job in NYC was playing a gig in the early nineties at CBGBs.

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago.

I'd like to keep doing film and TV, and I definitely can appreciate a good theme song. If it's memorable, that's a great thing.

I like the challenges of doing different things. It keeps things fresh for me.

After 12 intense years of rock music, I was happy to get away from making a record and going out on a tour. When I did it, I wanted to feel inspired. After a while I finally had my fill working on other people's music, and I started coming up with music on my own and said, 'This could be for me.