Moby: I took drugs at 10

Moby: Admits to being "intimidated" by public figures

Composer and producer Moby began experimenting with drugs at the age of 10 to appear "cool", he has admitted.

He told the Radio Times he tried marijuana, among other things.

"It was hash and pills a friend was given by his sister, who was meant to be taking them in a mental hospital," he said.

"It was my way of hanging out with the cool kids."

I'm envious of those who find happiness in regular things

Moby

But Moby, whose 1999 album Play sold some 10 million copies, said he gave up taking drugs by the time he was 13.

"I was scared," he said.

"A few years later I became so straight I didn't drink or eat red meat and was celibate."

The reclusive dance music star also reveals he had always been "intimidated" by public figures.

"This is something I've never shared with anyone.

Moby received the Best Male Video award at the 2001 MTV awards

"When I read about them in magazines, I sense their life is better than mine, and one of my goals, now I'm a public figure, is never to make anyone feel bad about themselves when they read about me."

Moby was interviewed in his living and work space in Lower Manhattan, New York.

"I'm envious of those who find happiness in regular things, like holidays. I've only ever taken one - to Barbados in 1996," he added.

"After three days I was so miserable I took the first flight home," he said.

Moby: "I don't feel guilty" about wealth

The musician was defensive about criticism that he had allowed too much of his work to be licensed for advertising use.

"New Musical Express ripped me apart savagely for letting my music be used in advertisements - but they have awards sponsored by Carling beer."

Of other attacks, by rap artist Eminem, Moby said he was "flattered by his attention".

"I criticised his lyrics for being homophobic and misogynistic, and he responds with a personal attack, which is interesting psychologically."