When it comes to performing and entertaining, the art removes itself from the writing.

In the music world, when we're making work, we are obligated to no longer be completely free from what we are to someone else - sort of like an athlete, where you become a role model to someone.

I have always considered myself an artist and painting was the first medium that I claimed.

I very much enjoyed Leo Tolstoy's What is Art? I can't quote it, it's been a while, but at the end of the day, the idea is that art that does good in the world is art, and what doesn't is not. It's propaganda or something else. It's bad.

A great show means we have to connect we have to prove to [the audience] that we do something great or blow their socks off, but it has to be with them if it's going to be sustained for any length of time.

One of the things that I love about painting is that I never consider myself to have an audience.

In painting, the key is not taking myself seriously to the point where it kills sincerity.

If humor is not present, I tend to be concerned about the artist, or distrusting of what they're presenting - unless there is an obvious tragedy being talked about.

Someone like John Prine can write a song that tears into your soul, turn it over, and write a song that makes you laugh and feel light as a feather. With someone like him, you're getting a real picture of a person, a real expression.

In the world of music, the audience is not just fans of music they're fans of many things.

Sometimes I'm extremely afraid of the unknown, but I'm so grateful to be on that journey.

It was Rick's Rubin idea to have the 'Brooklyn' verse repeat. It already was a story, but having that made it a folk song. Instead of this rambling march of verses, Rick understands that music needs hooks. You need that repeated chorus, that everyone can sing along to.