Robert Wyatt Quotes

I need theatre for my equilibrium because in theatre, the actors don't care so much about image, about celebrity; you are more independent.

I just want to get on stage and sing and be happy.

Growing up, I wasn't as comfortable expressing myself as I am now, and I think that's why I chose acting: because it's acceptable to have your feelings. It's a place that they want you to feel. Whereas in life, growing up, it was 'Be quiet!' and 'Keep it to yourself.'

Don't ever take a dramatic lesson. They will try to put your voice in a dinner jacket, and people like their hominy and grits in everyday clothes.

You don't wear all your jewellery at once. You're much more believable if you talk in your own voice.

I love playing in front of people. I feel powerful, 'cause I don't have to really say anything - I'm just singing.

I never try to be too sexy. People know when you're not comfortable and trying to be sexy.

I was putting forward too much of myself when I was singing.

When you were on stage, you could be absolutely open about your emotions and indulge them and express yourself in a way that - in real life - I wasn't doing.

I don't wear a wig. I'd feel terrible onstage with a wig. I hate to be so 'Actors Studio'-ish, but I like to feel it's me out there.

As a stand up, and often in acting, there is no place for the most intense feelings. Rage, genuine sorrow, naked hope... These things don't fit on a comedy stage and if you act you'll get to express them once in a while. Music is a place for the intensely personal.

I have trouble watching singers because they are so sincere.

I'd hate it to become style over substance, I'd hate people to start putting me in a magazine article about my style. I don't like dressing up in something I'm not necessarily comfortable in just to make it more of a show. I want the power to come from what I sing about and how I sing.

This is what I believe about performing: There is no reason to be on stage - there is no reason to be there - if you're not going to put all your baggage somewhere else and just be honest. Whatever you're doing - screw it up, do great - just be there, and be honest. That's the most important thing.

As an actress I feel that if you start to impose your own inhibitions, then you are not doing your job.

I'm really vulnerable onstage because it's just me. I'm not really trying to put up a front or act a certain way.

I feel really comfortable when it's just me and a guitar. It's special and more vulnerable to strip it down. It can be scary, but it's also empowering.

When people like your music because it has vulnerable honesty, and you're able to comfortably admit to flaws and imperfections, then that's the most liberating thing about being an artist.

I'm just myself. That's the best way to put it.

I don't try to represent myself in a way that's not connected with my everyday reality, because I'm not smart enough to do that.

Self-awareness is a character trait that's horrible to have if you're a performer. I think that a lot of these performers that we see get up on stage and play music, there's a sense of them truly not caring how they're coming across. They are just themselves. I look up to a lot of people who are like that.

On stage, I feel like I'm invincible, like nothing bad can happen. I can be myself. I feel like I shrink when I'm off stage.

I feel like I've just got to be me and let my play speak for itself.

I used to edit myself. If something seemed super-simple I had to make it more complicated. Now I'm trying to let what's in there come out and acknowledge where I come from. I'm trying to make it more. ..true.

Be yourself-but don't be conspicuous.