However I am is however I am. When you see me onstage or in the press, there's not a lot of thought and calculation that goes into it.

A song that sounds simple is just not that easy to write. One of the objectives of this record was to try and write melodies that continue to resonate.

I have a healthy cynicism, but not anger.

Now and then it's clear to me, that need is love, and love is need.

We used to sing along to Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald records together. She had the most amazing voice ... She's always encouraged me, and she's still that person who, when things look dire, lifts me up and reminds me of who I am and that we all have a capacity for greatness.

Steve McQueen was from a time when you didn't know every little dirty thing about our public figures. He and James Dean were very mysterious, archetypal American heroes.

Most writers like to maintain some sort of anonymity. For me, making videos was an assault.