My first record deal was an independent record deal back in 1995 or early 1996.

I've certainly had to bite my tongue on occasion and live to fight another day, so to speak, on certain things. But when you're new and fresh, you come out and think, 'I don't want to screw my chance up, so I'll go along with what everybody else does.'

When you find great songs, and somehow you get a spark in a little way, it can become brand new.

Being an entertainer includes knowing how to connect with an audience.

Learning how to relive again on life's terms sure doesn't do much for your confidence. You have to kind of walk in faith that the next step is going to be just a little bit better than the last step.

I'm a traditional country singer and we're always trying to make that a fresh and modern sound. That's always going to be the challenge with me.

I can't sing anything other than country!