All my big mistakes are when I try to second-guess or please an audience. My work is always stronger when I get very selfish about it.

What I like to do is try to make a difference with the work I do.

Even though I was very shy, I found I could get onstage if I had a new identity.

I think it all comes back to being very selfish as an artist. I mean, I really do just write and record what interests me and I do approach the stage shows in much the same way.

I'm not actually a very keen performer. I like putting shows together. I like putting events together. In fact, everything I do is about the conceptualizing and realization of a piece of work, whether it's the recording or the performance side.

I guess it's flattering that everyone believed I was those characters, but it also is dehumanizing.