If an artist can take two minutes to tweet a fan and make his or her day, why wouldn't they take advantage of that?

If I start putting too much pressure on myself, that's something my mama is there to help with.

That's why I've always loved country music. Whether it's sad, pumps you up, or it's breakup songs, it's all real-life things.

No matter how the day's going, when I get out there on that stage, it makes it all all right.

I know how music makes me feel; I know how it affects my life.

I'm not the only one who has ever lost somebody; I'm not the only one who was missing somebody. That's what I love about country music, that's what I love about songwriters, is being able to put out those words, those feelings.

I was the kid jamming out to the songs on the radio, and now there's hopefully kids out there jamming out to my music.

I just don't want any songs to go unheard.

It's just crazy to have a dream - have a plan - and then it all just kind of comes true. To me, that proves that you have to have a vision first.

Every single day I wrote a song, I was hoping somebody like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean or whoever would record the song. It's tough to do because there are so many great songwriters in Nashville, and I was lucky enough to get some songs recorded before I got my record deal.

I had a publishing deal way before I had a record deal.

I'm never the best singer in the world.

I always say I broke my mom's heart when I left. I don't know if that's what any mom wants for her kid, just thinking about how hard it is trying to make it in this business.

My dad always believed in me. He was always kind of, 'All right, buddy, if that's what you want to do...' My mom was always more of a realist.

I just kind of go with what I am feeling and don't think I have any kind of recipe for it... I mean, that's what drew me into writing. It's fun, and sometimes you don't get a great song. Sometimes you do.

To do what I love every day and have the support of the fans, it does not happen like this all the time, so it is important to be thankful... I know it doesn't last forever, and we have to get it while we can.

Sometimes I get all the credit, and it makes me feel bad because I'm not the only one out here sacrificing everything. There are people out here on the road with me with kids and families, and they're out here busting their backs for me.

Whether it's a show or an interview, the way I look at it is that one day people might not want to interview me. So I want to enjoy this ride while I can.

I always said, if I got a record deal, I'd want to record the best songs I could, whether I wrote them or not.

My first album, I had to write everything. Nobody was going to send me stuff just because I had a little success.

You get to tell your story through your music if you choose to.

I like the songs that are fun, that aren't gonna change the world - I've some of those - but even something like, 'You Should Be Here,' that was my chance to say, 'Look, this is me, too. I'm just a normal person.'

We wouldn't be where we are without people loving our music.

Taking care of the people who take care of you - that's how I was raised and how I like to do things.