I think that technology has both introduced new sounds but also allowed an increasingly painterly approach to recording music as you can now paint over what you've done and more and more refine an existing performance.

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

For a young band about to make a record, make sure you get the vocals right.

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

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

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

It's really exciting working with a new band when you feel like you hit something that's great, and you helped them bring something out.