Moby has written more than 5,000 songs that have never been released.

But don't expect a rarities album anytime soon.

"They're unreleased for a good reason," he admits. "Most of them are really bad."

The electronica DJ and composer says he writes between 200 and 300 songs for each album before whittling them down to 15 tracks.

He was particularly prolific on his latest release, Wait For Me, explaining that he had more time to create songs and less pressure from major label execs to write a hit album.

"I was recording it in my bedroom for my own label," he explains.

"I wanted to make it a more personal and vulnerable album. I wasn't thinking about making an album that would sell millions of copies."

Although Wait For Me turned out well -- the album is a return to the emotionally dark and dancier sound of his 1992 self-titled debut and the 1999 multi-platinum disc Play -- the man also known as Richard Melville Hall, says he was concerned working solo might backfire.

"For me, one of the biggest obstacles when I do things by myself is that I lose perspective and objectivity very quickly," he explains.

"Something I think is amazing, I'll find out later that it's awful or mediocre."

Wait For Me certainly isn't mediocre. It's a rather beautiful and surprisingly subdued offering from someone so outspoken about political and social issues.

Moby was one of music's most vocal opponents of former president George W. Bush, writing articles and essays for magazines and voicing his disdain in interviews.

He's an avid supporter of current U.S. President Barack Obama, but he refuses to bring his political beliefs into his music.

"I've tried to write political songs, but I'm not very good at it," he says.

"I think I'm a bit too analytical about it. The best political songs are slogan-oriented. Ohio by Neil Young is a good example. When I try to write about politics it comes across too strident or didactic."

Moby will be in town tomorrow night at MacEwan Hall for what he calls an "eclectic, soul revival show" featuring a full band and vocalists.

"It'll be about 30% from my new album and 70% songs that everyone knows. It's like a rave."