Linda Perry

I want to be perceived - or maybe I perceive myself - as this really easygoing, honest person that's just giving. Realistically, I have those qualities, but I'm very aggressive. I can be very harsh. It comes off almost mean, you know?

There's a lot of artists that are celebrities, not really artists.

I'm a songwriter, an artist, and a musician. I do not have to try to be that; I just am.

I don't read music. I refuse to learn how to do that. I barely know half the chords I'm playing. I like being naive when it comes to that.

I'm really good at bringing out greatness - in anybody. I don't even have to be in the studio. What a gift to be able to help people bring out the best qualities in them.

I'm overcritical, insensitive, and pushy when it comes to me. With everybody else, I'm a great listener, and all I want is for them to be happy.

I don't want to be a rock star. I had my 15 minutes of fame.

When making any record, a producer has a list of things you hope an artist brings to the studio. Songs that are strong even without the bells and whistles.

I told my mom I was gay when I was 16, and my mom said with her heavy Brazilian accent, 'OK, but at least look good at it.'

I don't think I'm the world's greatest producer or songwriter or anything.

You kind of have to have no ego to be a producer and a songwriter.

It's a humbling and amazing journey when you write a song in your bedroom, and you've got no money, and you're trying to write a song based on where you're at right at this moment.