I was trying to break out of the suburbs, and when I did break out, I don't think I took my whole self with me - I think I played a role of being too cool and hip.

I grew up with a lot of brothers and male cousins, so I had to worm my way in to get heard. But that's sort of what excites me.

I prance around and dance by myself to hip-hop songs in the mirror.

I don't have the same access or time to gain access to music the way I used to.

I remember even getting kicked out of a bar once because I was too loud and obnoxious.

The other day I was reading a blog and I linked over to Streisand's Web site, and it was amazing politically. She's so insightful and incisive. And she also says whatever she wants.

My identity has everything to do with me and my instrument. It doesn't have to do with what production style I use, or how many people played on it, whether it's sparse or grandiose or whatever. And I'm social, frankly.