MARK LANEGAN

I have to have animals. They really make life worth living, and my world actually revolves around them. They know exactly when it's time to get up, exactly when they're supposed to get their food, and they let you know. Mine are right there in my face, first thing every morning.

In 2005, I worked as a scenic painter for a while when I was taking a break from music.

When I think of a hit, I think of Madonna.

I'm open to life.

The Warriors team with Baron Davis, Matt Barnes, Stephen Jackson - that was an incredible team.

Naturally, if I'm singing over really loud music, my approach is gonna be different than if I'm singing over some quiet acoustic music.

I just sort of do what comes natural.

I like to fool myself into thinking that whatever happens is OK.

I hope I'm learning until I'm dead.

I guess if you live long enough, anything can happen.

Have I tried a black pudding? I'll eat anything - I'm not finicky - but that's not to say it takes any courage to eat black puddings because I find them delicious.

I like Jamal Crawford. He's from Seattle, went to high school there, lived up there. He's fantastic.

I've learned that sticking around counts for something.

Hanging out with the Trees is like hanging out with your family, and I hardly ever see my family.

Yeah, well, I guess Andy Williams would be considered by some to be schmaltzy, but to me, he's one of the greatest singers of all time. Just absolutely amazing. And if anyone doesn't believe me, just YouTube him. He's just one of a kind.

I worked as a breakfast cook in a lot of different restaurants.

When I was a kid, I got caught shoplifting by a store security guard in Ellensburg. The next time I saw that store guard was when I got thrown in jail again - this time for not paying court fees. The guy happened to be in jail, too, right next to me. That's what Eastern Washington is like - you never get too far away from anybody.

I'm trying to learn how to read. I have a tutor out on the road. It is great.

Whether I live there again or not, Seattle will always be my home.

Everybody has unhappiness.

You just realize that you don't know everything there is to know. The older I get, the less I know, and that's a good thing. When I was young, I knew everything, and everything wasn't necessarily good.

My favorite record, growing up, was 'Songs of the Haunted House,' a Disney record that was just wackiness. It's still one of my favorites, actually.

I would only tell a story if I was being mercilessly heckled. That's the only time I would talk to the audience.

I think I've just matured over the years.

The guys who spend their time brooding in their younger years either lighten up or go away.