I hope that I can make music that helps people in some way or that they can connect with, and that I can just live a life where I'm surrounded by people that I love.

You will never have the answers, but you have to keep pushing yourself and keep reading and keep working on yourself.

I was just a music lover who wondered what it would sound like if Otis Redding strapped on a guitar and played in a punk band. Thats it.

I guess I would call my music blues punk. Theres a lot of influences.

Blind Willie Johnson is a pretty big vocal influence. He can be very harsh, like gargly, gruff vocals, but also just slip into some very delicate, vulnerable soft stuff. I like that combination.

Even when I interviewed bands, it was about asking them about writing songs, so it was more for me than anybody else.

Ive been making music since I was 14, but for a while, I was afraid to perform.

I dont think I ever wanted to be a journalist - I was more interested in what comes from being a journalist.

You have to have some kind of clarity or understanding of what's happening to write.

Life is short, so I am one of those people - and luckily my girlfriend is too - who wants to live everywhere. I don't know how long I'll be there, but I like it right now.

You will come to know things that can only be known with the wisdom of age and the grace of years. Most of those things will have to do with forgiveness.

There's a lot of pressure to look like the last company that was successful.

I make little distinction between those who commit evil and those who stand by and do nothing.

Men were put into the world to teach women the law of compromise.

The key to happiness is to get the spirit and keep it.

Because the more authentic we can be, the more impact we can have.

Theres a fine line between playing a dim-witted character and playing a cartoon.

Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.

But I also like to be in control, like anyone else. I try to achieve a balance.

A pair of brilliantly cut cotton trousers can be more beautiful than a gorgeous silk gown.