There's very few things that tear me up and get me, but kids, especially terminally ill kids or kids with diseases... gets me every time.
I think, as an artist, part of your job is being aware of what's going on around you and not selling out and not following the trend, which I'm totally against.
From an early age, I was infatuated with music. I always loved it and was always dancing or playing something.
As a songwriter or artist, there's only so many ways you can say, 'I love you' or 'I think you're beautiful.'
I don't mind putting my heart out there for the audience, and for the country music fans... to be vulnerable with them... that's my job as an artist.
I knew what I wanted to be, but I didn't know exactly how to get there. I thought you move to Nashville, you sing downtown, and someone discovers you, and you become a country music star. I had no idea.
I listen to Lil Wayne, and then I listen to Merle Haggard.