I've never been one to think it was cheating to sample this or to loop the drum part there - I've always done that. Even using four-track cassette recorders, I was always doing whatever I could to make it as good as I could.

You have to keep the recording process open. If you make too many decisions before you go in, you can lose out on those serendipitous moments that can really make a record, that I think are always required in the making of a really good record.

My whole goal is to make good records and keep myself inspired and able to accomplish what I need to accomplish.

I'm a perfectionist, and I always think that I can do better what I have done, even if it's good.

My goal has always been to make a living and to have the respect of my peers. It's never been about stardom. It's about a good and challenging part.

Americans have always been able to handle austerity and even adversity. Prosperity is what is doing us in.