I got my iPad, and I'm trying to buy books on that, but I kind of like a book. At the end of my life, when I'm old, I want to have all these shelves full of books. So I'm just gonna do the book thing.

My best artist friend is definitely Jason Aldean. He and I really get along great and are really great friends. It's fun to tour with a buddy and somebody that I just enjoy hanging out with. If we weren't touring together, we'd be hunting in the off-season still and knocking around doing stuff, certainly.

My path is exactly where I want it to be. I'm doing my thing. I'm getting better with every album.

'Tailgate Blues' is kind of a lyrical masterpiece of a country song.

You know, if Kelly Clarkson wants to do country albums because that’s what inspires her, then let her do it. Look at Kanye West or Ludacris ... they aren’t rappin’ and cussin’ like they were on their first few albums, so what does that make them? It’s all in the eye of the beholder and the listener. We all use our outlet to grow ourself.

My focus is trying to make great music and putting on great shows, and whatever happens beyond that is a bonus to me.

I always want to make an album that lets people immerse in it, kind of like you get caught up in a good movie.