Ultimately, if I'm really moved by something, it's going to go on the record and that's that. 
But I can't really say there is too much modern music that I'm blown away by at this moment. 
I mean, at the end of the day when I'm making a record, what I want to do is what I do. 
I actually think sadness and darkness can be very beautiful and healing. 
Lately I've been a workaholic. I'm in the studio all the time and I've helped to produce a couple of artists. 
I make the kind of music I like. 
I started playing music at a pretty young age. 
My first two records were more energetic; Phantom Moon is subtle, quiet; so these various reactions are just something I expected. 
I feel fortunate about being able to make the music I want to make and getting away with it. 
I certainly wouldn't say that my life is a disaster, but there have been moments where I've felt like that. 
I think in a way I was probably completely naive about what it takes to make something become a hit. 
I got a publishing deal with BMG, they were supportive, and some money to record demos. 
If I were to do this over I'd play a lot more shows before I made a record. 
Things come to me pretty regularly. There is never a shortage or a backlog. 
It's inevitable your environment will influence what you do. 
A real foolproof way to do it is play your stuff by hook or by crook and build up a grass roots following. 