Chris Isaak

I don't think I've had a more miserable life than a lot of people. I think I've had a pretty lucky life.

I blow up fireworks all the time, and I love making milkshakes and banana splits.

I'm the star of stage, screen, and television now, but I'm also available for children's parties and bar mitzvahs.

I wear a lot of second hand clothes unless I have a concert and then I wear beaded and sequined second hand clothes. No stylist dresses me although I do have a woman that assists me with the buttons.

When I play it I look out and see people hold on to each other and dance or just couples leaning into each other and kiss. And I'll go: 'You know, I could have worked hard at school and been a dentist. But I'm so glad I didn't.' Because when I look out and see that I feel like the Pied Piper of love.

I don't spend as much time on my hair as people think. I get out of the shower, whack some grease on there and I'm done.

I'm a natural ham. It doesn't bother me to perform.

I'm not a very spiritual guy when it comes to music. I remember hearing Carlos Santana say that angels helped him write his songs. And I thought, 'Really, angels?'

I think I've had the slowest, most methodical career in the business.

I didn't grow up in the typical happy American home, but music was always a safe and wonderful place for me to go.

I keep things pretty simple.

When people ask me really stupid questions or get it really wrong, I feel embarrassed for them. I don't really feel angry at them.

I think as far as self-promotion goes, I probably have a lot to learn.

If I would get an album out every eight months and if I would write songs that were more up-tempo and try to focus more on making singles, then I could probably get more attention. But I don't think the albums would be very fun to listen to, and it would be a drag for me.

I never set out to write a certain kind of song, I just play my guitar and see if I catch something.

The tough thing about radio is I've met a lot of people in it who like my music. But it's hard for them to figure out how to play what they like when there's somebody up above them yelling 'you have to play this.'

I think I had kind of an advantage. When I was growing up, my dad had just got out of jail and he had a great record collection. He had - it was all - these were the songs. So I heard a lot of these songs, like, my whole life, so for me it was easy. I already knew what I was going to sing.

My mom and dad played this music all the time when I was growing up, so to me songs by Jerry Lee and Fats Domino are the classics, they're the best songs ever.

I write my own songs, and I only see their flaws.

I got by as a musician since day one. I don't live beyond my means. I have real cheap tastes.

My only expenses are probably guitar strings and records.

My advice is: if you've got to be miserable to write great music, then drive a truck.

The '50s was a pretty wonderful time for people, it was hopeful.

I still don't know if I'm good enough or if it's a calling or a vocation or something, but the talent part is out. My desire to do it is undoubted. I just love doing this.

I think I'm in a really nice position, where I'm sure I could do another show if I wanted to do one, but right now the main thing in my mind is writing songs.