My other advice is to start writing songs and singing right away.

I think we could have done a lot more great music, so I was disappointed that we didn't continue making records and touring, but it's hard to argue with 10 good years.

Music has become a bigger business, and with that there is more pressure to succeed; I think that it creates a negative pressure for being creative.

I had previously been in the band the Modern Lovers with Jonathan Richman.

Normally when I work with bands I'm trying to refine and improve what's already there.

The vocals are what immediately draw people in and sell the song.

I see myself as the buffer between the band and the record company.