Tom Cochrane

Australia and Canada were settled by adventurers, they had to break new ground. I think that is indelibly etched on our cultural spirit.

Tragedy in life normally comes with betrayal and compromise, and trading on your integrity and not having dignity in life. That’s really where failure comes.

I don’t get mad too much.

I make a living doing what I love doing, and it’s what brings me joy.

I didn’t really care about sales figures. I just wanted to get things off my chest.

I even got letters form kids in hospitals saying the music is what keeps them going, and that really touched my heart.

Music is one of those things that make us feel a little less alone in the world.

Do Tasmanian devils really exist?

I believe a lot of disease comes from anxiety, loneliness.

We always thought we had to follow a certain theme but I don’t agree with that anymore. I think the fans deserve a wider variety of music.

I think if you’re a good songwriter, that’s what you are first – not a star or celebrity.

Very often out of adversity that’s when the best work comes.

As a songwriter, if you can touch people and make them feel a little less alone in the world, then you’ve done your job.