I wanted to be a composer before anything else. And my sister was listening to Led Zeppelin in the other room! When I heard that, it was a game-changer.

I think the thing that I got most from working with Frank Zappa is that I was able to see someone who completely independent. The most beautiful thing about Frank was that he was completely in the moment and present and eternally creative.

You know, there's times when you should play and there's times when you gotta hold back.

I'm a big fan of cultural music, and that's how I try to expand my playing, by listening to music that is not conventionally American.

I don't believe in 'greatest'. I believe in favorites.

Find what you're best at and exaggerate it.

I know it is common nowadays for artists to start labels but this is a thoroughly constructed vehicle for inspired talent. This is a market that we've been living, breathing and eating for our entire lives - one where a huge void currently exists. Favored Nations is a long-term commitment.