The best live recordings capture elements of surprise onstage.

When I started writing, I used the singing side of the production as a vehicle for melody and lyrical ideas. Eventually, that process of using my voice to bring ideas across became more complicated, and I felt I could use it more as an expressive tool.

I definitely don't see myself as much of a singer, because my upbringing is really based around the guitar, learning chord progressions and that sort of thing. So the singing aspect of what I do has been a secondary adventure.

It's a hard thing to explain, but the more I arrange for strings, the more I realize the possibilities.

The production process has a great way of bringing songs to light and that's a big part of it.

I learned a long time ago that fame and money is not a ticket to happiness.

My favorite recordings are the ones that feel like there were no middlemen in the creation. That's the biggest problem with most films and records being made today - too many people involved. I think it dilutes the artist's intent and inspiration.