Call me a nerd if you like, but I do find it hard to leave home without my laptop and a good book.

Though in many of its aspects this visible world seems formed in love, the invisible spheres were formed in fright.

That’s why I make music. When I listen to my favorite music made by other people, that’s what it does to me. So as a musician, I’m just trying to do the same thing with music I make. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But when someone comes to me and says the music I’ve made has affected them emotionally, that’s the most gratifying part of my job.

I've been having a midlife crisis since I was four years old.

When I tour I'm going to countries to play music for people. My presence in a country is not an endorsement or a condemnation of that country's policies. My presence in a country is an effort to connect with people through playing music.

When 'Play' first came out, journalists didn't review it; it didn't get radio play. And then it became this big successful record and, I hate to admit this, I found myself liking the fame. I bought into it.

One simple word: ugh. Is something still considered a conspiracy if it's played out right under our noses?