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Using a big word like 'plagiarism'... always causes some damage. It will always do lasting damage, like accusations of racism.

Influence is a very unpleasant subject and I deal with it in a maybe irresponsible way, which is to really ignore it. It would be a nightmare if we started to really think about it; it would tie our hands, it would tie everyone else's hands.

If you steal from one author it's plagiarism; if you steal from many it's research.

Yes, influences are enriching, and they can be found in every work of art, even the most original.

Originality is undetected plagiarism.

It would be difficult to exaggerate the degree to which we are influenced by those we influence.

Influence is the new power - if you have influence, you can create a brand.

I think sometimes I write to impress my influences. Whether they're actually acquaintances of mine, people that I think will hear the record or not, I still write - not to imitate my influences - but to write something that would live up to their standards.