I think if you just look at life in a positive way, positive things will happen.

But that's the problem with playing new music sometimes before the record comes out: You have a bunch of yayhoots with opinions.

I believe a No. 1 song starts happening when it's believable and validating.

I was given such a great gift. It's a miracle that never stops amazing me and reminding me to give thanks, every day. Having a wife and daughter gives me a lot more purpose. I was much more selfish before, but now I think about what kind of role model I'll be. I just want to be a better man.

Some people choose to go on 'American Idol' or another singing contest, and some people choose to beat down barrooms before anyone even knows who they are, in order to get a fan base, so when they do get a record deal, they have that to put in front of a label.

I'm from Florida, so any time I get invited to come to Florida and play a show, I'm definitely always up for that.

As long as you're true to you, you believe it and you make others believe it, then what you're doing is just art. If you give everybody a blank canvas and some paint, not everybody's picture is going to be exactly the same, but it's still art. I just do what I do.