Growing up, all I did was play sports. I always loved music, but I never even thought I'd be on stage one day.
After I went to college, I realized that no matter how much I loved sports, I was ready to have fun, and that was right when I started to sing.
For me, that first album, there was a lot of fun stuff.
As an artist, as a person, I don't want to be here for just a little while.
I want to be somebody, a person, first that people remember, but also, I want music that I release to still be around. I don't want it to just be cool for a second and be gone.
I've always wanted to treat people the way I want to be treated.
I've had the chance to meet families with children who are sick, and it's heartbreaking.
Every year since we got started, I think that it's going to get harder to top it, but with all the support, somehow things keep getting better. That must mean we are doing something right, so we're just going to try to keep doing what we're doing.
I always loved country music. But I didn't even know I could sing. I just knew I loved the music.
I've always wanted to release a song that could actually touch someone and help them through a tough time.
Taking care of the people who take care of you - that's how I was raised and how I like to do things.
We wouldn't be where we are without people loving our music.
I like the songs that are fun, that aren't gonna change the world - I've some of those - but even something like, 'You Should Be Here,' that was my chance to say, 'Look, this is me, too. I'm just a normal person.'
You get to tell your story through your music if you choose to.
I always said, if I got a record deal, I'd want to record the best songs I could, whether I wrote them or not.
To do what I love every day and have the support of the fans, it does not happen like this all the time, so it is important to be thankful... I know it doesn't last forever, and we have to get it while we can.
I just kind of go with what I am feeling and don't think I have any kind of recipe for it... I mean, that's what drew me into writing. It's fun, and sometimes you don't get a great song. Sometimes you do.
Just being from where I'm from, a little small town, I feel like I'm a good judge of character.
My dad always believed in me. He was always kind of, 'All right, buddy, if that's what you want to do...' My mom was always more of a realist.
I always say I broke my mom's heart when I left. I don't know if that's what any mom wants for her kid, just thinking about how hard it is trying to make it in this business.
