Quotes About Artistry

At the end of the day, all people want to do is hear a great singer sing a great song. They don't care about what vocal changes it went through. You can't screw up a great song and a great singer.

Whether I'm making my own record, or playing a guitar part, I want what I do to have an impact.

You're not turning the picture over to a system or a process, you are the process, and the most important thing is to have things exactly as you want them.

People tend to believe that I want to make soul music, which is not entirely untrue but, really, I want to be like the black Tom Waits - I don't want to make one kind of sound.

Some people don't listen to my music because they say that I am an artist. And some don't want to go to my gallery shows, because they say I am a musician.

I've been doing musical theater since I was a kid. And look for a CD from me in the future. I want to write all the songs!

When I'm on a red carpet I want somebody to feel something when they look at what I'm wearing, when they look at the entire ensemble, whether it be nostalgia or excitement, you know?

I always write the pieces I want to write.

I always talk about my ambition with music, and it's to sort of seduce people into listening to sounds they wouldn't normally listen to or want to hear.

What I try to do is produce an atmosphere where musicians want to invest in what they do and give to the recording. I hire those musicians who I know will play something creative and interesting.

The idea of playing a character for even two years, to me feels claustrophobic - only because I want to play a lot of different people.

I don't really unwind after a performance. I'm still pumped up and just want to get back on stage.

As an actor, you can do what you want with your role. That's why they hire you; to take the role and make it real.

You know, I'm fifty-two now and I call myself a singer. Before I kick it I want to be able to carry a tune in a living room if called upon. Of course, mine come out all dark and twisted and weird.

I think if you're able to make the music you want and you can do it in the right kind of context, you don't have to be a circus ringleader to be successful.

When I started out making music I thought it was about thrills and adding layers, but I realized I want to focus on saying the most with the least.

Accessible music is much harder. I could throw out the other kind of albums with my eyes closed. I wouldn't belittle those who want to do the Tricky thing, but it does make me wonder sometimes.

Oh, I know I can sing. What I really want to be is an actress.

Every actor just wants good writing.

On an emotional level, I don't want to be a guide. I want people to hear things and experience them their own way.

I'm a control freak with regards to certain aspects. I think you just have to be when you're making stuff in the world. You have to have a clear idea what you want.

I love getting dressed up, but I want to be remembered for my singing.

This is what I love to do. I love to perform for people that get it or just want something interesting.

It's not really into the big mass movement in music that I want to do, you know.