A solo record on its way, you must be pretty excited. Why did you feel it necessary to go for the solo route?
The Hold Steady took a few months break this year and I wanted to keep busy. I had some songs that didn't feel like Hold Steady songs. They’re different I think. I wanted to do something that was a bit quieter and more narrative. I guess I wanted to do something that existed at a slightly lower volume.

What’s it like to cut free from a band that you’ve been with for so long for a solo project? Does it make you feel a bit naked?
It was a bit intimidating at times, especially working with new musicians. But in the end, when I was able to make a record that I love, it gave me a lot of confidence.

Does your writing style differ in your solo work to the Hold Steady? Would you say your musical influences change when you’re solo?
I think the solo stuff was more influenced by storytellers and classic songwriting, artists like Warren Zevon, Townes Van Zandt, Randy Newman and especially the first three Lou Reed solo records.

Do you have intentions of touring ‘Clear Heart Full Eyes’? Will you be coming to the U.K?
I hope so. I love playing in the UK so I hope we can make it over there. It's certainly my intention.

Are the three characters (Holly, Charlemagne and Gideon) that permeate the Hold Steady albums based on real people? Will they be on the next Hold Steady album?
Those are composites of a bunch of different types of people, they are not actual people. It's too early for me to tell if they will be on the next THS record.

Has the departure of Franz Nicolay affected you or the Hold Steady in any way?
Franz is a great musician so of course it affected us. I think it forced us to think about songs a little differently and we also added another guitar player, Steve Selvidge. The Hold Steady will hopefully have a record out in 2012 and then more touring.

Stay Positive seemed to be about growing old and being a band? Is that something you’re conscious of?
Yeah, it’s hard to age gracefully in rock and roll. It's made me more impressed by artists who can do it: NickCave, Springsteen, Dylan, etc.

How has writing music/touring changed as you’ve got older?
I think every year my listening habits get more diverse and I think that leads to different inspiration on the writing front. Touring is definitely harder but I've learned to take better care of myself on the road.

Literature is a big part of the Hold Steady’s music. Have you any plans to write a novel?
I would love to write a novel but I think it's a long way off. I've tried before and the result was pretty awful.

What is the most important thing about music to you?
I think the way a good song connects with you is one of the most beautiful things I know.

As an artist, what has been your biggest achievement? What is the experience so far in your career that you’ll never forget?
I think being able to travel the world and meet people at the shows is the coolest thing. I hadn't really left the US much before we started this band, so it's pretty exciting to have been so many places with The Hold Steady.

We’ve just done our top 10 records of the year, what are yours? Top 3 will do?
Felice Brothers- Celebration Florida
Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
White Denim - D

What did you get for Christmas?
I got a new watch, pajamas, some gift cards, and some really cool records.