I'm sick of being self-referential. I don't want to do any more songs that can be accused of being personal.

To be diagnosed with cancer was a frightening thing, and my first reaction was sheer panic, but I was really fortunate that the cancer was caught at such an early stage that I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy. But I know that cancer is a chronic condition, and once you've had it, you're on the list, because it can come back.

Penitentiary songs have been a love of mine for years. They are so wonderful.

I have to watch out for being lazy.

I got my interest in Lotte Lenya and the Brecht-Weill canon from my parents. And I love classical music - I got that from my parents. I love Cole Porter - that I got from my dad.

I don't see decadence really as what you do, because I don't do much at all that is decadent in my life. But I still am decadent. It's a state of mind, I think.

I do yoga. I do tai chi. I do a lot to keep my body and my spirit together so I can work.