Any of these contemporary war situations, whether civilian or soldier on either side - that's what I was interested in. The people who are being affected. Not so much the political speak at the top of the food chain, but the people who are affected by it on the ground.

People have a tendency to see country life through rose-colored glasses.

I try to see as much dance, theatre and films as I can because all of it feeds me in a way that I need feeding for what I do.

In the same way, I write some of my more difficult pieces when I'm at very happy stages in my life.

Some people, like Leonard Cohen, write one album every 10 years, and labor over a song for five years at a time.

I do take enormous interest in what's going on. I try to see whatever I can, whenever I can.

I had a chip on my shoulders 'cause I felt like I was being overlooked.