Can you tell us about the origins of your musical journey? What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did you get started?

My musical journey has its roots in the diverse influences I was exposed to from a young age. My father, who had a band for 25 years, played a significant role in shaping my musical inclinations. His extensive record collection introduced me to a world of different sounds, from the Beatles and Steely Dan to Willie Nelson and other Texas country legends. This rich musical backdrop fueled my passion for music, leading me to Nashville, where I’ve been blending southern rock, blues, country, and pop for nearly two decades.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your unique sound? Can you share a specific instance where one of these influences had a significant impact on your music?

Some of my biggest musical influences include the Beatles, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Crosby Stills & Nash, Joe Cocker, and Bob Seger. Their diverse styles have collectively shaped my unique sound, which is characterized by a blend of southern rock, blues, country, and pop. A significant instance that impacted my music was my exposure to these artists through my father’s record collection, which helped me develop a sound that stands out in the Nashville music scene.

Touring can be an incredible experience. Could you share a memorable tour anecdote that stands out to you, whether it was a challenging moment or an unforgettable performance?

One memorable “tour story” involves my collaboration with Brazilian music star Sorocaba. After he saw my performance at a downtown club in Nashville, he invited me to Brazil, leading to a series of huge concerts and a live record in Brazil. This experience, while exhilarating, also presented challenges, especially with the onset of Covid and the changing political landscape. These factors have made it challenging to travel back and forth, necessitating adjustments such as reducing the band size and often performing solo. Despite these challenges, the connection with the Brazilian audience remains strong, and we are actively working on exciting projects for the next couple of years.

Many musicians have a pre-show ritual to get into the right mindset before hitting the stage. Do you have any special rituals or routines that you follow before a performance, and if so, what’s the story behind them?

Before hitting the stage, I like to get my energy up. Meditation helps me center myself, and I always make time to meet folks who have come out to see us. It’s all about creating a connection and a shared experience. Vocal warm-ups are a must for me, and I use Spotify for a variety of exercises. It’s a fantastic free resource that keeps my voice in top shape.

Collaborations can be a powerful creative force. Could you tell us about a memorable collaboration you’ve had with another artist and how it influenced your music or expanded your artistic horizons?

A memorable collaboration for me was with Sorocaba, a renowned Brazilian artist. This partnership expanded my artistic horizons by allowing me to explore the Brazilian music scene and connect with a diverse audience. It also led to the creation of a live record in Brazil, showcasing the synergy of our musical styles and the universal appeal of heartfelt music.

Over the course of your career, you’ve likely encountered various challenges. Can you share a particularly difficult moment you faced in your musical journey and how you overcame it?

A challenging moment in my musical journey was navigating the shift in the Brazilian music scene due to political changes and exchange rate issues. This situation made it financially unfeasible for my entire band to perform in Brazil. I adapted by traveling solo to Brazil and exploring collaborations in the EDM genre, showcasing my versatility as an artist and my commitment to connecting with fans worldwide, regardless of the circumstances.

Your latest album has received critical acclaim. Could you take us through the creative process behind it, from conception to completion, and the overarching themes or messages you aimed to convey?

While I haven’t released a full album recently, I’ve put out two songs, “Circus” and “Fastcar Days,” both written with Matt Rogers. The upcoming music video for “Fastcar Days,” made with Michael Waltrip, the NASCAR driver, at his bar in Concord NC, is set to release in November. These songs and the accompanying video reflect my continuous commitment to creating authentic and resonant music, even as I explore new formats and platforms.

Touring can be both exhilarating and exhausting. How do you balance life on the road with your personal life and creative process? Any tips for aspiring musicians who are just starting their touring journey?

Balancing life on the road with personal life and the creative process is indeed a delicate act. My approach involves ensuring dedicated time for writing and creating music, regardless of the touring schedule. For aspiring musicians embarking on their touring journey, my advice is to stay grounded and prioritize self-care and creative expression amidst the demands of touring. This balance is crucial for sustaining a long-lasting and fulfilling musical career.

Every artist has goals and dreams for their musical career. What are some of your long-term goals or aspirations, both in terms of your artistry and your impact on the music industry?

My long-term goals include continuing to create music that resonates with people and transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. I aspire to be a versatile artist, exploring various genres and collaborations, and making a meaningful impact on the music industry by contributing to the evolution of musical styles and expressions.

The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. How do you see the future of music evolving, and what role do you envision yourself playing in this ever-changing landscape?

I see the future of music as a vibrant mosaic of diverse sounds, styles, and collaborations, enriched by the integration of technology and AI. I envision myself as an adaptable and forward-thinking artist in this landscape, embracing the opportunities that arise from these changes. My focus will be on creating music that remains authentic and true to my artistic vision while navigating the exciting possibilities of the evolving music industry.