I find it hard to believe that anyone puts music out that doesn't at least stir emotion in them. I feel like there aren't words to say what I'm thinking/feeling and music is the only way. Pop Idol ballpark a notable exception - some people want fame and fortune, but that's nothing to do with the music itself. Not to say I wouldn't like fame and fortune, but I'll settle for notoriety and covering the bills.

I play fast stuff mostly, but I still think it conveys emotion - just the listeners ears need to be a little tuned to it. There is underlying melody even if it's at 1000 notes a minute.

On the drink and drugs... I haven't had a drink now in about 9 years - I used to get so ill (without really drinking much - maybe allergic?). I smoke weed now and again - I do find it makes me more creative/unorthodox in approach, but it nails my motor skills, so I can't actually play what I hear in my head. I've ended up having to hum it and try in the morning... ;)

What's good for one person may be the ruin of another... as long as whatever you do you keep in reasonable limits, you'll probably survive it...