I grew up with all kinds of music, but my heart was particularly drawn to Country Music because of the guitar playing, the lyrics and of artists like Steve Warner and Vince Gill.

I've never really been a traditional country kind of guy. I wanted my music to sound more like the end of the '90s and to have the kind of great music, pop or whatever, that radio will embrace.

I've always wanted to be a real universal artist, one that every type of audience could relate to.

There are peaks and valleys in anything and that is especially true for the music business. It is very inconsistent. But if you are wise, you can let those downs really bring you to another level of your personality.

Country Music is great music because it really comes from real life experiences. It is such a great haven for reality.

I remember my mom dressed like Janis Joplin.

There are many people that struggle and struggle and have all the talent in the world, but for some reason they are not successful. You never know why those things happen.