The school systems at my childhood had enough money or enough parent involvement that they felt like learning music and songs, and exploring the whole pop or classical canon, were just as important as algebra or biology. Music is such a visceral and tactile experience for a kid, and to just replace that with video games or something that doesn't have the same sort of physical impact would definitely be a poor choice, and have a negative impact.
It wasn't just like, "I want to make a record that sounds like classic rock" at all. It was more like, "I want to make a record that is a little more unsettling and maybe isn't as easily understood now." That just seemed more important, like, for me to make as an artist, than it was to make something to make people feel safe right away.
I guess the role of art is to make something that is ambiguous and complex.
I've never been in another kind of midlife crisis. I don't know what it feels like when you're through that, but I definitely feel that changing a few things, like being on a different label and having things kind of settle back into a sense of normality, helps to feel grounded.
I always felt that the most common thread in my life from when I was young until now has been a highly observant, very analytical mind.
From a self-conscious standpoint, it's hard to see myself on a screen in a way that isn't just me playing music or doing something silly.
You can't bury a part of yourself that's so innate to who you've been, even if it's not for the sake of anything other than a pure enjoyment of it.
I love coffee. I love a midday espresso on set, just for the energy.
I think short-term goals are important. Trying to set a missive for yourself for the entire year can be daunting, and it can feel too easy to fail or fall short of that.
I'm kind of a hermit. it's almost easier for me to write about connection than to actually connect.
I like to connect with people through my work. That's my favorite way - meetings of the minds, fans at a show. Those are nice mediated ways of hanging out.
I think closing-off is the most detrimental thing we can do as people. Also, the idea of not judging oneself.
To be a fan is to be curious, and to be curious is to have openness... Part of being a fan is to allow 360 degrees of experience - to immerse without judgment. It's like a really fearless step forward into new experience. There's something that feels very timeless about fandom.
No matter what people are struggling with, or based on whatever. Sexuality, ethnicity, economic status, size. I don't wish smallness for anyone. It's a terrible place to live.
The idea of self-effacement, the idea that you feel so powerless that the only tiny morsel of power you have is over your own ability to deny yourself food - that to me is a very profound and sad methodology and indicator of how powerless a lot of people feel in this world. That they will turn that onto themselves until they are physically smaller. I think it's affected my worldview a lot - just being sensitive and empathetic towards the ways people want to be small. I don't wish smallness for anyone.
I think proteins are really good for your brain. And your brain is where comedy comes from.
There are foods you should avoid. For me, sugar is a no. Because it gives me a spike and then a crash.
To me, the grotesque is like a sonic manifestation of reality. I don't know how you could look out onto our world and see only beauty. And I like beautiful things. I like the aesthetically harmonious. But I am much more attracted to something that is off-kilter. It is a truer reflection of not only nature, but the human spirit - the state of the world. I just think everything feels a little off.
I have to erase my Google search histories, because they always lead to an obituary.
I'm all about being prudent. And I've started to appreciate experiences more than actual objects.
I don't want to mislead people.
I have no problem spending money on a great meal with friends or a flight to see somebody that I love, versus something like a fancy car. I don't need a fancy car. I don't need a giant TV.
Just invest in apps. Just download apps and then pay yourself the dividend.
I think that there's always an assumption, when a band goes on hiatus or stops playing, that there's some acrimony brewing under the surface.
If you always want to look relevant, just be CGI-prepared.
