The only thing contrived is the production - you can over-produce to the point you kill a good idea, you can under-produce so that the song's amazing but you'll have folks at a radio station saying they won't play it, so there's this balance, and it has to be true.

I'm a huge Lady GaGa fan - she makes the world a more incredible place.

Crowds respond to anthemic choruses.

I think the best songs are being written by the very under-stated, under-appreciated indie artists. The thing that separates them from mainstream success is they either consciously or unknowingly refuse to deliver on a big chorus.

I find the songs that have the most human components in production are the ones that will stand the test of time.

Just because a suit fits, doesn't mean it looks good. You need a tailor. You want to get bespoke.

Writing songs is about trying to connect with people on a deeper spiritual level - but I'm not a fan of contemporary Christian music.