I still feel like that 17-year-old-kid that fell in love with country music, but I also am allowed to write songs about being a man, too, which I think is the coolest place I've ever been in my life.

I try to make an album that reflects what I love about country music. It's not just all about happy parties all the time. There are some sad songs.

I think the great country songs mixed with some of that bluegrass instrumentation - and surrounding all that with a little bit of a rock vibe and energy - is the kind of music I make.

When you go to the Opry for a show or hear it on the radio, you get the whole circle of country music.

Country music is always changing but the Opry is always there to serve as a lighthouse for what country music really is. The past, present and future is all encompassed by not only the physical structure of the building but also the radio show.

Most of my read on America is through looking through the front windshield of a bus and hanging out with country music fans backstage.