Yannis Philippakis Quotes

#1. I'm definitely preoccupied by thinking I'm just a biological thing. I want to feel that there's more, but so often I'm reminded of how we're just like baboons, basically.

Yannis Philippakis

#2. I like the fervor of religious music, the zealous aspect - that preachers can go from a conversational cadence into this passionate singing.

Yannis Philippakis

#3. Music was my friend when I was a teenager, and I would inhabit and take comfort in lyrics. That's how I want to write.

Yannis Philippakis

#4. I like simple writing. I'd rather read Hemingway than Burroughs.

Yannis Philippakis

#5. I'm just worn down and weary of bands whose lyrics are cryptic and self-referential.

Yannis Philippakis

#6. You can get into a comfort zone writing lyrics, like wearing a mask. But I wanted to feel uncomfortable when I was listening back to [the lyrics]; I wanted to squirm.

Yannis Philippakis

#7. I started growing roses. I enjoyed the craft of it and that they're difficult to look after; they can provide joy.

Yannis Philippakis

#8. I was definitely inspired by gospel music, or old-school R&B; I got into some Good God gospel compilations.

Yannis Philippakis

#9. When you're making an album with people who made your favorite records as a rebellious teenager, it feels like you've achieved something.

Yannis Philippakis

#10. I never want to listen to the songs in front of people close to me. There's an emotional honesty in that place where it's not earnest but it's vulnerable.

Yannis Philippakis