John Butler: ‘This system we have doesn’t favour a man who is ultra-sensitive. We’re beaten into a certain shape’

‘I’ve done so many crazy things for love, and all worth it,’ musician John Butler says. ‘I’ll change the sheet on my wife’s bed. I don’t give a fuck about it but she loves it.’ Photograph: Kane Hibberd

I’ve always been fascinated by your fingernails, but I had no idea you do them yourself. Tell us about your nail regime.

I started doing my nails about 25 years ago. Once I started touring so much, I couldn’t go back into a salon so I do it myself. It is a fast-drying gel. I’m usually really, really on to doing them because they’re so important – I can’t play guitar in my style without them.