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What surprised me most about fame is how unpleasant it can be. I used to think it was going to be so fun. I got excited about the parties. You don't anticipate friends being jealous of you and critics giving your music bad reviews. Media and rumors - that stuff hurts.

I think for us up-and-coming artists, once you're out there, once you've put stuff up, once people know who you are, once you discover who you are, we're all in the same boat: it's down to whether people appreciate the music or not.

I hate fame. There's this assumption that everyone wants it - that by being a musician, I've signed up for it at some point. But personally, what I signed up for is sharing my music. I've always said I'd rather have four No. 10 songs than one No. 1 hit.

It comes down to building your own world out here on the road. It's who you surround yourself with. My band and crew are really positive guys.

I hate negativity in general. We, as artists, we pour so much into our music and put out something we believe in... it sucks that people tear you down.

I've created several musical trends, really. That's not because I'm so far out and fabulous. It's because most bands have no ideas of their own. They're so desperate they'll grab at any old straw.

As a musician, I know that it'll take time for me to get to the ranks of an established artiste. Nevertheless, I'm very happy that people are appreciating my music.

Sometimes you get so jaded, you don't have those initial connections and emotions with music, because you are promoting your own.

It's a bummer sometimes but I always believe that great bands and great music always prevail.

I never have any problem getting enthusiastic with a good song and a good band.