We have something that is unique. We have our craft. We have our art. We have our desire. 
If I were like a lot of other people, then it wouldn't be fun; but since I'm like me, it's okay. 
You know, being America, being the land of "number ones", everyone wants to be a leader before they follow. 
My job is to write songs that have emotional meaning to me. 
It's hard to get into Newsweek because, as more of our former intellectual magazines take on a pop focus, if there's no buzz, there's no interest. 
Everybody talks about finding your voice. Do your homework and your voice will find you. 
That's kind of like how jazz is sometimes. You're out there predicting the future, and no one believes you. 
Pop doesn't really look back. It can't. What makes pop work is simplicity. 
It's something that jazz has gotten away from, and it's unfortunate. Players aren't physical anymore. 
I like to make records sound good. I'm more like a reducer than a producer. If an artist cannot produce themselves, what's the point? 