Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, and what themes or stories you aimed to convey through your music?

As I move into a later part of my career I still have songs left that I have written and not recorded. I usually include a couple more covers and they will be added as well.

Music often has the power to transport people to different places and times. Can you describe a moment in your life when a particular song or album had a profound impact on you?

There are certain songs when I hear them for sure bring back memories. Too many to list!!!

Many artists have rituals or routines they follow before performing or recording. Do you have any unique or quirky pre-show or pre-recording rituals that you find help you get in the zone?

I try to eat much the day of a show, never eat any dairy products and always start on some Hall’s cough drops earlier in the day, take a shower right before the show and drink a coffee right before the show starts, while singing a little.

Your lyrics often tell a story or convey a message. Can you share the story behind one of your songs and the inspiration that led to its creation?

Usually I make notes about song ideas as they come to me. As time comes and goes eventually I will put them into a song.

If you could curate a music festival with a lineup of your dream artists, who would be the headliners, and what would the theme of the festival be?

That is a really tough question, many of the real traditional artist have now passed away. That would take some thought. There would be a lot of steel guitar and fiddle, I do know that!!

Music can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Are there any social or political causes that you’re passionate about, and how does your music play a role in promoting these issues?

No NONE, I personally feel I am a artist, writer and entertainer. It is real easy to isolate part of a group (and It happens all the time) when you start getting away from why you are being paid to entertain and why people buy your music. It is about the music and you not all the other outside influences. I had a manager many years ago tell me, « Stay away from talking about religion or politics » I as a listener feel the same way, I like the artist for the music and song, not all the other « hoopla »

The music industry has evolved significantly with technology. How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies impacting the creation and distribution of music in the future?

There are many great writers that write from emotion, life’s experience. AI does not have that. It was unique how Randy Travis’s voice was just put into a song, but I personally feel it will be a detriment and slippery slope.

Many recording artists evolve over time. How do you see your musical journey changing and growing in the next decade?

Next decade will be my slow down years! I am in my 24th year, the difference for me now I do 2 things. 1. If I don’t want to do it it has to pay ALOT or 2. It has to be ALOT of fun and I can do stuff that does not PAY ALOT.