Racism is one of the worst forms of torture because it's directed at something you never asked for and something you can't change.
When it comes to the business side of it, as much as you might hate it, the reality is that you give the record company a sort of ownership of your songs, so you've got to make sure you're getting everything you can out of it now, because if you're not, then who is?
The way you react to each challenge forms who you become.
Always wash your hands, and always tell the truth.
I'm not seeking for answers; I just want to tell stories and state my opinion.
I've met such amazing people in their 40s, in their 60s, 70s, and they completely bely their age on paper.
I started to learn some common sense. Even just sort of day-to-day things. I started to cook a little bit more and try to learn to fix things around the house. If something breaks down, rather than call a guy, there's got to be more I can do.
I'm neither here nor there about this Lady Gaga, but she's clearly very passionate about her poker face.
Music can really help people, help individuals in beautiful ways.
To be honest, the first time round, I didn't think 'Fame Academy' was the worst premise in the world. You got people on, and they would write songs and develop themselves as artists. But then, instead of getting a little bit more credible, it got a little bit more ridiculous.
One of my ambitions is to move to Tuscany. I like the idea of getting a vineyard. I love being under the sun and being casual and comfortable. That's my idea of heaven.
That's the good thing about music: you can sing about people's lives in its stages and feelings. Some songs can put something in context that you couldn't. They can free your mind or can make you think or can be redeeming.
I've always enjoyed the bohemia of Paisley.
Maybe it's the way that I do music, but I was never in a cool indie band or hung out with all the cool arty kids when I came to London.
People make you feel like a bad guy for asking for seven quid for your album, like you are slapping them in the face, when they'll go and pay two grand for a scarf somebody knitted in a sweat shop and stitched a designer label on.
I think it was definitely a love for the four- or five-part vocal male harmony groups that really took me away. I'd always try and be, like, the fifth Drifter; I'd always try and find another harmony that wasn't there.
I write on the acoustic guitar, I write some on the piano, but I've been messing around with these guitar pedals and drum machines, educating myself in that world.
I'm not a fan of second-hand or vintage clothes.
It's not about someone making a difference on their own; it's about everybody pulling together to make a difference.
Touring can be really tiring. I can get homesick, and I spend a lot of time on my phone.
