'It's Not a Fun Process for Me': Billy Joel Says Songwriting Is ‘Torture’ at 2024 Grammys

"It’s very self-centered, very lonely," Joel revealed about the songwriting process at the 2024 Grammy Awards

Billy Joel is getting honest about what he does — and doesn’t — like about being an artist ahead of the annual 2024 Grammys.

The “Piano Man” singer, 74, confessed he is not a fan of songwriting when asked about his process by Amanda Kloots and Alina Vission on the GRAMMY Live! from the Red Carpet show. He said his songwriting routine can be grueling, but he is always proud of the finished product.

“I’m going to go into my cave and become a caveman,” Joel said. “It’s not a fun process for me — it’s very self-centered, very lonely. And sometimes it’s torture.”

He added, “But afterwards, I love having written.”

Another taxing consequence of being a singer-songwriter: touring. Joel admitted that while he enjoys performing, that “can get a little tiresome t -

Victoria Monét Says Daughter Hazel, 2, K,...

oo.”

When reflecting on his decades-long career, the legend said, “I always wanted to be a teacher and I used to go around the country and do lectures about songwriting at colleges."

His advice to the emerging stars is to draw from their own experiences and emotions to truly connect with their music.

“You’ve got to go through things to write about things. Write what you know.”

Joel added he is most excited to see Miley Cyrus perform, along with Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

See PEOPLE's full coverage of the 66th annual Grammy Awards as they're broadcasting live on CBS from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. (edited)

'I Never Forgot That Moment': Ai,...