"The things that get me going have always been quite visceral and violent. The garage movement of the 60s, punk in the 70s, hip-hop of the 80s - sounds that come from the gut. I repress a lot of my emotions, so they come out in my music. I feel that there are two me's - one is a nobody sitting around reading books, while the other me is an extrovert, a performer. There's a real duality - I want to go crazy, have wild adventures and sexual experiences, but then I can also be reflective and quiet. In person I'm quite reserved, but when I'm performing I'm a more childlike and innocent me – my cynicism vanishes. I was really introspective as a kid, actually... I wasn't outdoorsy at all. I used to love watching all the musicals on BBC2, they're just so purely pleasurable. I was really influenced by all the glamour, opulence and performance, the women were so sexy and demure. I've always tried to look glamorous… a bit punk, a bit 50s and a bit Studio 54.

I always like to be wearing the most spectacular outfit in the room, with everyone staring at me in a good or bad way. I want to feel like an idealised version of myself… fashion should be about wearing things that make you look and feel good, so I don't believe there's such a thing as a fashion faux-pas. I like the idea of not always having to look pretty on stage though. I understand the ice-cold Nico thing, always looking perfect, but I think there's something really artificial about it. A true performer is trying to break through the audience's veil, so that everyone is experiencing the moment together. Some of my performances are almost like Roman orgies, where I'm caressed and swept up by the audience. I want the audience to experience the moment - the now - with me, I don't want them thinking about anything except what's happening right in front of them. I want the couture girls up the front to get sweaty and messy and love it, it's quite nihilistic really."

Lyrics to 'Hiding the Staircase' - "Its the sound of revolution in the bedroom, but we know there's nothing doing because we're hiding on the staircase! Its the sound of them cursing their existence, jungle drums beat in the bedroom, separation in the distance! It's the sound of contention round at our place, cos they're shaking in the hallway and we know he's packed a suitcase!"