I definitely don't see myself as much of a singer, because my upbringing is really based around the guitar, learning chord progressions and that sort of thing. So the singing aspect of what I do has been a secondary adventure.

When I first started making music, it was learning other people's songs and putting them onto four-track. Like Beatles songs and stuff. When I started writing, I used the singing side of the production as a vehicle for melody and lyrical ideas.

The South of France is one of my favorite places in the world.

I wouldn't want to cover a Hank Williams song in a country-western way. It doesn't occur to me instinctually to re-create productions. I'm interested in re-creating songs. Putting different clothes on them.

I don't think there is anything unusual about a business losing money in certain years.

My one issue in this country is to get on a firm financial footing. There's not much you can do if you're bankrupt.

We'll never solve the feminization of power until we solve the masculinity of wealth.

We need money. We need hits. Hits bring money, money bring power, power bring fame, fame change the game.