1) Tell us a little bit about your newest single “Straight Up Country Crazy.”

It’s a vibe. It's a movement! It’s about owning all of your uniqueness and craziness no matter what it is. Getting together and having fun with friends and family and sometimes people you don’t know. I felt it was time to own who you are if it fits. 

2) You co-wrote the song with Ken Matthiesen, Blaine Younger, and Rachel Seiler. Take us to the writing room that day. Where did the idea come from? What unique touches did each of them bring to the song? Etc.

All the writers are so different, but the two commonalities were a life for God, and for being authentically country crazy. The beat came and words just began to flow from all of us. 

3) You worked on it with producer Jason Wyatt. What did Jason bring to the production side of the song that took what y’all had done in the writing room and elevated it into what we hear today?

Yes, Jason brought the rock and the soul. He knew where to take the song based on me, my personality, and my desire for this to be an anthem song. He’s just so talented. 

4) The accompanying music video has been met with a ton of praise, debuting on Coffee, Country & Cody on Circle All Access while earning support from CMT, AIM Country, The Country Network, etc. Were you expecting this type of initial support on the video and why do you think it has resonated so quickly?

Honestly, I’m going to say by the grace of God. I am so thankful and grateful for how things are going and to all the networks and outlets that decided to share my music and the video to the world. #SUCC is a movement. It really is a vibe I like to spread by way of this song and the video.

5) What are the big takeaways from this song for the listener that give it a bit of a different flavor than what they might be used to hearing from you in the past?

As I have mentioned, I think that #SUCC is fun, uplifting and for everyone. Doesn’t matter, young or old, black, white, red or brown, big or small, rich or poor. It truly is about learning to love and appreciate the simple things in life. Every day is a gift. We need to embrace and live it to the fullest every day.

6) With 2022 being such a big year for you with the release of your album Brand New Country, is “Straight Up Country Crazy” a stand-alone single or are you already working on your next project? If working on your next project, can you share any info with us on where you’re at with it and when we could expect more new music?

Yes, yes and yes! I’m excited and new music is coming sooner than later. #SUCC will eventually have a remix, and the next single is already in queue for late summer. I also have a Christmas album I’m working on, and another album project of my new singles is definitely in the making. 

7) This song follows your stunning version of Kris Kristofferson’s “For The Good Times.” You have a knack for putting your voice to these classic songs, such as you did with Charley Pride’s “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” as well. What does it mean to you to be able to breathe life into these types of classic compositions and offer them to a whole new audience? 

It’s an honor to be able to cover these great songs. Since they are a part of my history it means a lot to add a little bit of myself in each of these songs. These covers are considered a gift that I’ve lived so breathing new life and continuing the tradition is honestly just important to me.

8) We’ve been part of the crowd at several tapings of Huckabee. Such a fun experience from that side of things, but you recently were the musical guest on his show. Tell us about your experience from the stage side of things. 

Ok, I am still on Cloud 9 from that experience! Governor Huckabee is a Godsend, and a truly good soul. It was a blessing. My publicist had mentioned a couple years ago about me being ready to go on his show. It was a goal we had, and turned out to become a dream which came true. 

9) We always end with this one, but what one piece of advice can you offer to someone who is just starting out and trying to break into the music industry?

Never give up! Learn to love yourself and your own uniqueness. Be yourself! Be ready to work hard and believe in your talents. All things are truly possible for those that believe and never give up. Prepare for a ride of a lifetime and learn to live roller coasters because no two days are alike. There will be highs and lows. But I’d say go for it and pray that you’re surrounded with the right people. Unfortunately there are people that will try to take advantage of you in this business.