When I recorded my solo album, 'Keep It Hid,' in 2008, I'd gotten more interested in songwriting, inspired by reading Charles Bukowski and connecting with unfancy, interesting language.

It's been about 25 years since I did a solo project. I've been working on the new album for the past two or three years. I've recorded 17 songs, probably 12 of which will make it onto the CD.

It's not about success. Whatever happens, it doesn't matter. I would like to not go bankrupt or get some incurable disease, but other than that, I'm just happy to keep going.

Coming from a smaller place always made things feel more personal, which is really what it's all about.

Reading allows one to connect spiritually and mentally with another but never meeting that person.

We try to experiment around and really try to make every album a little more interesting than the last,