I idolised bands like Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins, who wanted to reach as many people as they could.

- Nate Ruess

As a songwriter I hate this whole, 'If it's a sad song, it has to sound like a sad song thing.' And that goes all the way back to my days with the Fo…

- Nate Ruess

My dad dragged me to a Bruce Springsteen concert as a kid. It was my first concert, but I fell asleep in the middle. My second concert was Weezer on …

- Nate Ruess

I kind of like being depressed.

- Nate Ruess

It's interesting to feel the pressure of having to be outgoing, because I think in general, as a human being, I'm pessimistic and introverted. But, i…

- Nate Ruess

If you can make the song a soundtrack to what you're living at the time, I think that's the most important part of a song.

- Nate Ruess

May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground.

- Nate Ruess

Running in Central Park is my favorite thing to wake up and do. I have my own specific path that I have to run every single time. There's a little bi…

- Nate Ruess

Lyrics are so important, I hate every second of writing them, but it's something I take great pride in when it's finished.

- Nate Ruess