I've been in a band, so I understand the politics. Sometimes the bass player doesn't like what the guitar player is doing, and you have to sort of even that out. But I've also always loved the technology part of it. I've always loved the studio part. Making albums. Besides writing songs, which has been my primary thing, making records would be second. Obviously, touring would be third. Touring wasn't my favorite thing to do, but the first few tours were pretty fun. Seeing the world and everything.

Once they're on paper, they're gone. I like to do as much with the words, as far as image goes.

You almost have to force yourself to stay in a vacuum to become different - if you really want to be different.

Your high points and your low points. High points don't last that long, it's a high and it happens. It's great at the moment but you really can't live on it.

When you become tired of fitting in, is when you truly become yourself

I think I understand what bands want, just from having made records myself. I understand what it takes to get a good vocal sound, or to make people comfortable in the studio. From minor things like their headphone mix - and if a singer's singing, how they should hear themselves - to how to make people feel that they're getting exactly what they want. All those things, I think, are an advantage, especially the part about having done it myself. I'm not just an engineer who records the sounds well. I'm not afraid to take chances.

Secrecy is the enemy of efficiency, but don't let anyone know it.