Music is life. Music defines peoples' experience on this planet. Name one time in your life that wasn't punctuated by the music you listened to at the time. When people are down, they listen to music that commiserates that emotion. When people are amped up, they listen to more upbeat, loud songs.

We just kind of did our own thing and got made fun of by the popular kids. It was kind of like a badge of honor to be an outcast.

I don't have a problem being on 'MTV,' and I don't have a problem being on the radio. I actually like it. So there. And anyone that calls me a sell out is just jealous.

Make yourself look really stupid so you don't feel bad doing something a little stupid.

Parents don't understand kids and kids don't understand parents. My parents were divorced when I was really young and I went to live with my dad.

During the downtime on tour, I simply walk from room to room, staring into my computer.

As a producer, I'm an objective observer, helping a band form their ideas into a cohesive album. It's a step back from the intimacy of creation.