I didn’t really see the British punk movement, if that’s what it was, as wildly original, because I had been listening so intently to all the New York music since 1973, really.
I grew up with classical music when I was a ballet dancer. Now when I have to prepare an emotional scene, to cry or whatever, I listen to sonatas. Vivaldi and stuff. It’s just beautiful to me.
One time I introduced my orchestra as the Shampoo Music Makers instead of the Champagne Music Makers.
I find that classical music helps put me in a place that is very calming and allows me to express emotion through my body. I played clarinet as a child, so I guess I have a bit of a musical ear.
I think there are unseen powers who don’t want pop music to be anything other than glorified Madonnas.
And whether you’re drawn to gospel music or church music or honky-tonk music, it informs your character and it informs your talent.