I’m really in such a fortunate position to have that foundation with Hall and Oates that lets me do whatever I want. That’s the dream of a lot of creative people, and I don’t take it for granted. I try to make the most of it. – John Oates
When I graduated from college in the spring of 1970, I decided to hitchhike around Europe with my guitar and my backpack. I was gone for about four months. – John Oates
I get to play with all these different players who don’t necessarily approach music always the same way that I might. So I learn a lot. – John Oates
I think in music and a lot of creative fields, people’s egos get in the way of their ability of seeing the big picture. – John Oates
You may be embarrassed about the way you looked and the wacky clothes you wore when you were young, but normally, at least it’s hidden in a box in the attic. – John Oates
In the days when regional music was very clearly defined and had a clear personality – Memphis, Detroit, Chicago, whatever – Philadelphia had a tradition that was very distinct and unique. – John Oates
I think it’s kind of difficult to write a good Christmas song because you have a narrow framework of references that you have to work within, and at the same time you want to do something that’s personally original and hopefully somewhat unique. – John Oates
I may just keep releasing singles ’til I run out of music, which is kind of cool in a way – as long as people don’t go, ‘Oh my God, not another one!’ – John Oates
The mustache represented the old John; I didn’t want to be that guy anymore, so I shaved it off. It was ritualistic in a way. – John Oates
The thing is, we’ve changed our style but we’ve never changed the actual roots of what we’ve done. – John Oates
If anyone looks back to the ’70s, ’80s with nostalgic rosy colored glasses and goes, ‘Well, everything was awesome.’ No, everything was not awesome! – John Oates
There’s all sorts of soul. There’s Irish soul and Native American soul. If it touches you and moves you, it’s soul. – John Oates
The world has accelerated to the point that, as far as the album as a form, I don’t know if it’s going to last that much longer. – John Oates