We had this realisation that we'd sort of travelled from my bedroom to America and all these people are watching us and that was awesome. 11 shows in 5 days I mean if we weren't going out, we were on stage, it was huge.

A band that we supported called Blackfish in Manchester, played the most insane gig I've ever been to. Everything was set on fire, and then they came on and played one of the coolest gigs I've ever seen.

I think what I listen to now is what I listened to as a kid which is kind of black American soul. I love soul music.

The main reason we understand what we're doing is because we're the individuals doing it. One of the things that surprises me is that all the songs are about me, and it's cool that people care.

There's a lot of particularly good things going on in my life at the moment. It's the fact that I get to be an ambassador for the concept of modernity. I can be creative and useful. And I don't have to grow up.

I think one of the dangers of humor is becoming seduced by it and sacrificing the story for a few laughs.

As I tell my intro creative writing students, after reading someone you love, wait at least an hour before starting to write.