In comics, the writer is also the director in a certain way. So if this were a film, you wouldn't tell the cinematographer to make a good fight scene while you go and get a cup of coffee.

There is that small chance I’ll get what I want to be someone to relate to for anyone who is as alienated, awkward, spastic and passionate as me.

Cut the crap. Just don't try to be anything that you aren't, have ambition but when it comes to lyrics especially just be honest and write from the heart almost to an awkward degree, at least that's what works for me.

Don't decide that you're going to be a writer or musician and just expect it to happen because it's a big gamble and a lot less predictable than a conventional job. But you do increase the likelihood of success by working as hard as you can and holding yourself to the highest standard you can muster.

I like to play music that people can feel deeply but it's also interesting to listen to - a nice balance between cathartic and pop music.

I'm sort of religious, actually. God can be interpreted many ways, I think. If others were more open-minded about what god can be, instead of just calling it god and saying it works this way or that way, we'd all be in a better situation and a better place.

It's healthy for a band to become slightly less relevant

Try to overcome your doubt. Believe you are beautiful. Look at yourself through someone else's green eyes. Believe someone out there will find you and kiss your skin until you can feel it blister with the heat. Believe in something bigger than your problems and you will be saved.

I'm living a life until I die so there will be no shortage of things to sing about.

My marriage is the most important thing in my life, but in a weird way I'm able to focus on other things more clearly by having it in my life.

I used to download a lot of music, and I understand it in this economy, but personally I buy my music. It feels good to be able to support a band you like. Plus, it'd be really hypocritical if I were still doing that, since I really hope people are buying and experiencing my music.