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

I wanted to make a traditional record that had a lot of art and showed my vulnerable side and showed things I'm passionate about.

Life on the road is very different from a normal, day to day life, and sometimes that surrealistic existence can have an effect on you, you tend to forget that's not really how things are supposed to be. But there comes a point where you have to pace yourself and find a place in your mind where you can be real.

The passion for doing music, the passion that I have for going out and playing it live - my love for country music is back.

That's what we need nowadays, is more children that have goals other than being a sports figure or some kind of celebrity. I think it's great that a kid wants to learn more and wants to be at the peak of learning, especially at that young.

The biggest question I have is if you're a rock singer or a rock 'n' roll band, or if you're a pop singer if you've made your way in another genre of music and now you want to make a country record, why? That's my question. Why?

Anybody can get lost in themselves.