If you’re hearing it, there’s a good chance I’m playing and singing and recording it myself. The stories that I tell are coming from real-life experiences.

What three albums would you take with you to a deserted island?

Gretchen Goes to Nebraska by King’s X. White Album by the Beatles. Me and My Gang by Rascal Flatts.

What’s a song you wish you had written?

The first time I heard Rascal Flatts’ version of “I Know You Won’t.” I actually said to my wife, “I wish I had written that song.” Any song that tells a story so clearly that evokes an emotion and takes you on a journey where you can relate is a song I wish I’d written.

What was the first concert you attended?

Not sure, but one of my favorites was Foreigner a couple weeks ago. They crushed it and I knew every single song.

What’s the last song you heard that blew you away?

Kelly Clarkson’s live acoustic performance of “Piece by Piece” on American Idol. Yep, I’m a big fan. It was such a real moment. My heart broke and I sat there crying listening to it that night. My heart still breaks every time I hear to it. I have kids, so I get it. I love the pitch and wavering in her voice due to her raw emotion and the fact that she couldn’t get through it without crying herself.

Who is the “King” of country music?

For me, the king has to be Johnny Cash. He did it his own way. He set his own rules and wrote what he wanted to. He’s a legend.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve performed?

I’ve done most of the usual places—basements, bars, clubs, churches, amusement parks, malls. The hardest place was performing at the funeral of the wife of one of my closest friends. While it was an honor to be asked, it was pretty tough.