Chet Faker

Learning to appreciate those things that aren't related to success has proved the biggest lesson.

My high school career counsellor said I shouldn't pursue music as a career.

I studied audio engineering at university. The background I am from, music was never seen as a viable career; it was always a hobby.

Hype is a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing if you aren't prepared to back it up.

Chet Faker's a reference to the late Chet Baker. I'm a big fan of his vocal style; it's quite fragile and soft, and that was a style I wanted to take on.

I think a lot of artists get confused when people like their music; they think that means people know and like them. I'm sure there's an element of truth to that, but to me, the music I make is what I'm most proud of. I prefer to focus on that and for people to focus on the music, too.

That's what helps me keep playing: the idea of giving something to others. Because personally, I've had my fill.

Music to me is about being honest, and it's what I've always pictured music as. I don't see the point of expressing yourself if you are going to be cryptic about it.

I hate fame. There's this assumption that everyone wants it - that by being a musician, I've signed up for it at some point. But personally, what I signed up for is sharing my music. I've always said I'd rather have four No. 10 songs than one No. 1 hit.

The day you stop clapping at a gig is the day your soul dies.

I love performing. The more I do it, the more I grow into it.

Ultimately, I love making music more than anything. And I want to do that for ever. I don't want be on the top. I just want to keep doing what I'm doing.