Everett, aka “E”, is lead singer in the rock group Eels. His memoir, “Things the Grandchildren Should Know”, is out now (Little, Brown, £14.99)

1 Does art make a difference?

Yes, but not necessarily in a political way. It has more to do with changing an individual than changing “the people”.

2 Should politics and art mix?

Never. Well, I’m talking about pop music. I could die happy without my time being wasted by any more obvious political “statements” by rock singers. The rock singer doesn’t like George Bush? How edgy! Who’d have thought? It’s all preaching to the converted. Newsflash: none of us like George Bush. Duh.

3 Is your work for the many or for the few?

I’d like to think we’re a band for the whole family. I see every age and colour in the rainbow out there in the house. Little kids seem to really respond, and there’s Grandpa leaning on his cane by the fire exit.

4 If you were world leader, what would be your first law?

I would make a law wherein fines must be paid for not being polite. Really.

5 Who would be your top advisers?

Tom Waits, Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan. But then I would have to give them all promotions so that I would be working for them, because I could never treat them as underlings.

6 What, if anything, would you censor?

No one would be allowed to waste the citizens’ time by making overtly obvious and ham-fisted political statements in their music.

7 If you had to banish one public figure, who would it be?

That’s too easy. The same one everyone would, and he’s on his way out anyway.

8 What are the rules that you live by?

Try to respect other people’s values and time. Try not to fuck with people the same way you don’t want them to fuck with you. Try to make the world a better place by being happy. I’m a lot like Jesus.

9 Do you love your country?

I’m American, so it’s not an easy thing to brag about your country these days. You find yourself telling people you’re Canadian while travelling the world. But I secretly hold great affection for my country. I haven’t left it yet.

10 Are we all doomed?

I really don’t think so, but you never know. Hopefully not any time soon.