eels’ Mark Oliver Everett (E) – HuffPost 8.20.10

Mike Ragogna: What advice do you have for new acts?

Mark Oliver Everett: Well, I think the best advice I could give a young act is to try not to be tentative about anything that you do. Even if you’re unsure about yourself or what you’re doing, do it like you know what you’re doing. That right there is half the battle. Do what you’re doing with authority, and you’ll be amazed at how much it works just by having that attitude.

MR: Nice. No one else has ever answered the question that way.

MOE: It’s actually hands-on, very useful advice.

MR: Yeah, it goes beyond just self-confidence, it’s just about believing in yourself and what you’re doing.

MOE: Exactly. Even if you don’t believe what you’re doing, lie to yourself that you believe what you’re doing as a start, and eventually, you might start believing what you’re doing.