I used to play for 200 people and now I'm selling out places that hold 16,000 people. It's a big change, and it's so cool to see people out there screaming the words to songs that I wrote. It just really reassures me that what I'm doing is working, and it really boosts my confidence, as far as on stage as a performer and a writer.

Country music has always sort of been country music.

I carry a weapon. I got a death threat a few years ago and was really scared. But I don't want bodyguards. I am my own security.

I did surveillance a lot, which sounds exciting, but it never was.

Both my mom and my grandma were really big influences on me not only by being strong and teaching me to be strong but also owning their salt as well.

I won’t give up what I enjoy to look perfect. I want to find a happy medium between feeling good about my body and still having a beer and some barbecue.

I'm really fortunate because, in my career, I haven't had to deal with anybody trying to make me something I'm not.