1.The second you step in front of a crowd, something switches on. That live energy is the whole reason you do this.

2.You're pulled toward sounds no one's made yet more than toward perfecting a sound that already exists.

3.When you're arranging or mixing, you trust what's technically right over what just feels good in the moment.

4.You like a clear finish line. A plan and a date for when a track is done and out the door.

5.After a packed show or a long day surrounded by people, you need real time alone before you feel like yourself again.

6.You'd rather play a part flawlessly every single time than chase a vague "what if it got weird right here."

7.A song that's emotionally true but a little rough beats one that's flawless and says nothing. Every time.