I'm somebody who doesn't feel the need to be in the driver's seat all the time. I appreciate the perspective of being in the passenger's seat sometimes, and I feel fortunate for that because I've learned a lot from that perspective.

I've worked with just as many talented women as I have talented men, and I feel fortunate enough to have that great balance.

The best live recordings capture elements of surprise onstage.

I get most of my inspiration from older records and older production styles, and that ends up rearing its head in the records that I make.

I don't like the way recording to digital sounds.

I find that the time that goes by is actually your best friend when you are making a record. The passing of time gives you perspective on what you recorded and what you wrote. If something sounds good to you 12 months after you recorded it then chances are pretty good that there's something valuable about the part or the song.

When I first started making music, it was learning other peoples songs and putting them onto four-track. Like Beatles songs and stuff. When I started writing, I used the singing side of the production as a vehicle for melody and lyrical ideas.