I'm not afraid to talk about God and it's something I have a faith in. But I feel his presence more in those really profound, quiet moments of solitude. I can't seem to get those as much around here in Nashville, so I go to seek them out. Iceland is probably the closest I ever felt to it. That place did a lot for my soul.

I try not to focus on what people say too much because there's nothing I can do about it. All I can do is focus on staying true to the style of music I write and sing because that is the only way it's going to come off as honest.

I'm not comfortable walking on a red carpet. I think a lot of people actually love that part of it. I'll never be a "look at me" guy. It's not in my DNA and I struggle in those situations. What gives me anxiety is knowing I have to be honest with people, and as much as people say they want honesty, the minute you give it to them, they don't want it. Sometimes I can tell I'm being baited for a certain answer and that's not the answer I give and I can tell it upsets them.

At the end of the tour last year, I was completely fried. I felt my soul was begging me to give it a release. Two long trips to Costa Rica and to Iceland I've made were the best things I could have ever done for myself and you see it with the songs I wrote before I left and the songs I wrote after - there are two different Kips in there.

I still live very, very simply. I'm afraid to get comfortable because I'm afraid I'll lose that sense of where I've come from and that drive that's gotten me to where I'm at. When I travel I could stay at the Four Seasons, but it doesn't do as much for my soul staying in those places. When I stay at a hostel, it keeps me centered and I love the people I meet. There are great people in those nice places too, but I'm going to relate more to that backpacker in that hostel who is super excited about life and seeing beauty in the small things the way that I am.

We're at a time now where there's a lot more "I'll do whatever it takes" attitude. I'm not going to say or do what you want me to say or do just because it might help me or be the politically correct thing to do to help my career. And that may have hurt me sometimes. I think about different collaborations that have been brought my way - it might have meant I'd get to be on TV to do certain things, but I've said, "No. It doesn't make sense. I'm not doing it." And other people might jump at the opportunity.

Young love don't know nothin' when the radio plays you sing along. When she's holding on you just can't get close enough, you swear it's sent from above. It's real,it's good, and it's young love