As far as loneliness I feel Los Angeles and its layout having to drive everywhere - it is a lonely place. It's an isolated city in that respect because you're driving to places alone listening to the radio.

What troubles me is the Internet and the electronic technology revolution. Shyness is fueled in part by so many people spending huge amounts of time alone isolated on e-mail in chat rooms which reduces their face-to-face contact with other people.

Music is amazing. There's some metaphysical comfort where it allows you to be isolated and alone while telling you that you are not alone... truly the only cure for sadness is to share it with someone else.