I think that the things that are interesting sometimes, when you're striving for a sound, you just get it wrong 'cause of your own limitations. That's when you get something kind of original.

I vaguely remember in the '90s when Calvin Klein started making unisex CK1. Don't worry about whether it's made for men or women. Listen, we all like to put mum's clothes on sometimes. What's important is that it feels right for you.

I'd be saying, 'No, I'm so not a DJ, I'm a producer.' But no matter how much faith you may have in yourself, until you have a hit you can't really run around telling everyone you're a producer.

I'd been DJ-ing in these clubs in N.Y. and I hated everything that was coming out. So I decided I would make it myself. People were making mash-ups or remixes, but I was extra bored, so I actually started remaking these records from scratch.

My grandmother always used to wear this English perfume called Tuberose and then she died and then I dated this girl who wore the same thing. Every time I hung out with her, I could only think of my recently deceased grandmother. So sometimes a signature scent can be good and sometimes it can be bad.

My mother was incredibly strict, especially when we moved to New York. Compared with most of the American parents, who seemed so relaxed with their children, my mother was virtually a dictator.

Sometimes I have to shut off the omnipresent disco ball and flashing lights that are always in my head. It's a part of maturing, I guess - just learning that it's not just always about a quick, easy fix of getting people to dance.

When I started 'Record Collection,' I had no idea that it would come out sounding the way that it did, and that's one of the best things about the creative process, taking turns with the things you didn't know.

You draw the best things from your parents and family. You're going to pick up some of the bad things as well - there's a temper that runs through my dad's side of the family that I'm not especially keen on picking up a giant block of.

A 'GQ' award is kind of, like, insane. It's a huge thing.

D'Angelo could sing the phonebook and it would sound good.

I didn't start making music in order to be famous.

I don't know if I'd ever sing a whole album because I don't know if I'd want to hear my voice for more than three or four songs.

I don't think I really make singer-songwritery-type music - it's not my strong point.

I had a somewhat frenetic childhood because my mum and dad split up when I was five, and then my mum remarried.

I know it sounds really lame and hater-ish, but I think 2009 was maybe the worst year for music ever.

I never had that wicked stepmother or evil stepfather thing at all. I'm very close to both step-parents and I consider them to be my parents, too.

I never studied jazz technically; I just know and love the music.

I rarely ever respond to misquotes and wrong information. Plus, it only serves to bring attention to the matter.

I think Katy B encapsulates young London in a way I never could. She reps London harder than anyone song-wise since Lily Allen.