I never set out to write songs about the world around me... it just kind of came about as a result of paying more attention to things.

I don't describe myself as a Christian or religious, but I like to think that how I live my life is honest.

Turn off the TV and start digging around for information that's not from a corporation trying to make money.

I was mainly influenced by the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, and others like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash.

Most of the music you hear on the radio today is developed for making money. It doesn't feel true or honest. You can feel it in the music.

I've always written about things that cause me to feel something.

Maybe I spent more time dwelling on emotions than some people, and maybe that's why I ended up writing.