The most important thing you can do as a performer is to be yourself, or be an onstage version of yourself. If you're not being true to yourself, and somebody likes that other version of you, you're kind of stuck.

I've been lucky to be able to make the records I've wanted to make. The record company has never pressured me to cut certain songs.

You can't second-guess your audience. You can only do what you think is right. If you do that, your audience will appreciate you.

It's difficult to get started-when it comes to dealing with an unknown quantity, people are reluctant to trust their own opinion. It helps if two or three people give you a boost.

It's important to be successful enough to be able to keep doing what you love.

If you forget the words to your own song, you can always claim artistic license. Forget the words to the national anthem, and you're screwed.

I don't feel like I'm on a mission. I'm trying to play music that I like to play and like to listen to.

Fortunately, I've never had a job.

What would we do if we didn’t try? We have to try.

It’s really a lot easier to write about things that are problematic. Who wants to hear how happy you are?