Mark Hollis started from punk and by his own admission he had no musical ability. To go from only having the urge, to writing some of the most timeless, intricate and original music ever is as impressive as the moon landings for me.

Many artists who are really shit have maybe one or two great songs. It's a shock to find. Even Howard Jones has done a good song. It's called "Don't always look in the rain." It's a diamond in the dogshit.

[on Peter Gabriel] I'm a huge fan: when I was growing up it was early Genesis and then his solo work. Singing along to it may have taught me how to write harmony. Mercy Street has so many happy memories attached to it. We used to go to visit my grandparents every Sunday and my mum let us choose the music in the car. My mum doesn't like abrasive stuff and it became a bit of thing, trying to find stuff that both you and Mum would like. She fell in love with So.