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 think being eclectic is bad when you're just starting out.

I've become increasingly confidant in following intuitions ahead of thoughts as I produce more records.

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

Some artists want a producer to be a kind of svengali - someone who actually creates a sound for them.

But when you're beginning, you should try to focus on something you love and your own way of doing things.

Most bands have a sound that they're already identified with, so for the producer it becomes a process of helping them find their muse in the studio to make a record that will not only satisfy them artistically, but will also do something in the marketplace.