I actually think in music, learning technical stuff doesn't matter. You can be as technical as you like, but still sound awful.

The work I've done, I'm really feeling the effects of it.

The one thing I do find about serious reviews is that usually they tend to have a point, and that's what I find hurt so much about discerning critics. If the reviews hurt they're probably right on some level.

There are only really a few stories to tell in the end, and betrayal and the failure of love is one of those good stories to tell.

I wouldn't even say "Imagine" is political. I think it's…more just sort of declaration of humanity. I don't find his political songs to be the ones that I go home and listen to. And I would say that of any artist. They're not the ones that interest…

I don't really believe in political art. I feel in my heart the purpose of art transcends cultural and class and politics. I think something like the Sistine Chapel is something that goes beyond just being a Christian thing. It transcends its Christianity and becomes sort of a universal beauty. And I think that's true of music and art and literature.

Growing up, I fantasized about being a rock musician and that somehow it would be really easy. I didn't realize that it's so much work.