You want to sell records, but if you want to call yourself an artist, your job is how you express yourself.

We sat together as a family for dinner at night. And my mother had a job. My dad had a job. But there was always a meal on the table at 6:00, you know.

The first award I ever won was for Best New Artist from the ACMs, so they always will hold a special place in my heart.

I'm like everybody: I gain the Christmas 10 or so, and then I try to exercise more and dial it back.

I was tired of just kind of being on that express train, whatever you want to call it, so to speak. It just sort of shoots forward, and you have no creative autonomy, no control over your time, and there's not much time for side projects or family and friends.

The two together are a really great combo: the family life and then being able to go play some shows and write.

My family and friends treat me as they always have.

Ritesh Deshmukh is rock star. He has a lovely family. He works so hard, and he's a great actor. He's funny, friendly, doesn't have an ego, and is so nice to everyone. He's a fine professional, a good husband, and a good father. That's a rock star for me.