I always worry that I'm a dilettante: I know something about lots of things but don't have exhaustive knowledge of much.

What's scary is the unknown, the stuff you can't put your finger on.

I seem to get the best work when I'm angry and depressed and alienated.

I don't really have any position to complain about my job. Yeah, every job has its moments like, "Ah, you know, it's Wednesday." But I'm blessed. I love my work.

What I like is horror movies, including '80s slasher movies that politically I have all kinds of problems with. Which is an interesting balance, because I have this leftist puritan strain that, well, if you like something that goes against your politics, maybe you should train yourself not to like it. But I know that I like horror movies and that's what I watch when I get a moment.

People say friends don't destroy one another. What do they know about friends?

There are so many ways to respond to music besides feeling like someone's communicating with you. It gives me a charge.