When you look into the eyes of your people out there that came to see you, that's when it's like, 'Yep, this is what it's all about.' This is why we don't sleep, and this is why we write songs and try to be the best. This moment right here onstage.

When you get performance slots for award shows - that's a big deal for me.

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.

Nothing is more rewarding than to take a song, create it out of thin air and then watch it affect people.

Even with all the negativeness of the whole social media thing, I still think it's leaps and bounds more positive.

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

'Dirt Road Diaries,' in my mind, is a perfect country guy song. It speaks to the hard-working guy, and I'm excited for the fans to hear that one.