I try to do things in one take, but doubling rhythm parts is always difficult, especially if you want things to cut the way I want them to cut.

I always go for that live, honest feel when I'm going for that first rhythm track. I'll never hold back on a part just so it'll be easier for me to double it later on - to my ears, it sounds sterile if you do that. I always want to get that initial track kicking and full of slurs, squeals and feel. I'll worry about doubling it later!

Make your heart bleed! Put your soul into that damn thing. And try new things.

On our early demos, I was really frustrated with my recorded sound. I'd tell my dad, 'Dude, I want more 'cut' on my guitar - I want more treble.' And he'd say, 'Now, son, you don't want that. It'll hurt your ears.' But my dad just didn't understand.

As far as I'm concerned, it's no good being able to wail out smokin' leads if your rhythm chops hugg!

If you wanna get out of a rut bad enough, it'll always happen. It's up to you, though. No one else is ever gonna do it for you.