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I am constantly being told that I have been a big influence for many people, including other musicians.

I resent the implication that I'm less of a musician and a worse person for not appreciating certain works.

As a musician, I have always refrained from criticizing another artist.

How do I tell people who I am? Not being a writer, the only way is to sing songs that reflect my opinions.

You get a lot of who you are as a musician across through the music you write. If you're writing your own music, then it's important to be really honest.

But what you realise after you've been in the business for a while is that people develop opinions about you that don't have anything to do with your music, they like or dislike you for a million reasons, they like or dislike you for your last record.

Not compromising the music, but there is a way, by just showing the people that you're sincere and honest with what you're doing, and by talking to them.

I want people to understand me as a person with views, not just performing songs.

Oh, I will always be honest with my music. The records are black boxes for me. Like if you want to know who I am, my views, my perspective, things I love, things I hate, my convictions, my anthems. I've never let people's opinions affect the way I write.

I think, in music, you're always hoping that you'll have a like-minded audience and that the music you like making will appeal to them, too.