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Billy Joel is an incredible musician. He just feels like one of the guys, you know. I grew up listening to his music.

I happen to be a guy who also plays the piano and sings, so people automatically associate me with Billy Joel.

I listen to Billy Joel. He is fabulous. I saw him with Elton John when they toured together, it was so great.

The early Billy Joel stuff I fell in love with, like Glass Houses, is a real rock record.

My favorites growing up were always Billy Joel, Michael Jackson... and Placido Domingo.

Billy Joel and Joe Jackson were both great, and they both play piano.

Rufus Wainwright is my go-to for any kind of emotion. He's got songs for all of it.

If you put all the songs together that I've written on band records, and put it up next to my solo record, there's definitely a different kind of feel than Billy's songs.

I've always been a fan of melody and emotional melancholy, whether it was Rites of Spring or Tears for Fears or Neil Young. If I hear a song that has a sweet melody, I'm a sucker for it, whether it's Linkin Park or Little Richard.

I like singer-songwriters, and I find sad songs comforting rather than depressing. It makes you realise you're not alone in the world.