Introduction
or many country artists, the pull of home remains strong, even as their careers take them across the nation. This holds true for one rising star who continues to weave his North Carolina roots into his music and life, all while navigating the exhilarating, yet demanding, journey of fatherhood.
The Enduring Power of Home
He readily admits that his hometown of Garner, North Carolina, played a monumental role in shaping him. “My hometown in Garner was humongous for me right from the start,” he shares. “It supported me through and through, gave me the confidence to kind of go outside of the hometown and expand.” This deep connection is why his collaboration with U.S. Cellular on the “Hometown Connection” initiative resonates so strongly with him. He believes in “the power of music and the power of hometowns put together,” a perfect synergy for his artistic vision.
While Nashville might seem like the logical next step for a country artist, his heart keeps him anchored to North Carolina. “It’s the people and it’s my friends,” he explains. From a young age, he prioritized creating memories with loved ones. Though he initially thought a move to Nashville was inevitable, he and his family found a “system that works,” allowing him to stay connected to his roots while pursuing his career. He credits the “pretty chill way of life” and the “easygoing and friendly” nature of the South for keeping him coming back.
Juggling Tour Life and Tiny Hands
Life on the road takes on a whole new meaning with a baby in tow. His wife, a former nurse now touring with him, is an invaluable support system, easing his new-parent anxieties. To keep their family unit together, they’ve introduced a “baby bus” for the tour. He recounts his son’s first overnight sleep on the bus, a milestone that, while nerve-wracking for the parents, was a success. This innovative solution allows him to minimize time away from his wife and son, fulfilling his “selfish” desire to have his family experience life on the road with him.
Setting up the baby bus involved converting one of the bunks into a crib and bringing familiar items from home—toys, mats, and even specific smells and sounds—to create a sense of normalcy for their little one. While his son is still young, the proud father already observes musical inclinations, singing to him constantly and noting how he seems to “go along” with the tunes. A future father-son duet isn’t out of the question!
Prioritizing Family Time
With a baby, “you time” has become a deliberate effort. Their first date night since their son’s arrival involved a relaxing dinner, a rare but cherished moment. He emphasizes the importance of these deep breaths and exhales for both him and his wife.
The demands of fatherhood have also shifted his career approach. He’s learned “the power of saying no to some things.” While still incredibly busy, he’s no longer saying yes to every opportunity, prioritizing time with his son and family above all else. This intentional approach ensures he remains present for the moments that matter most.
Chart-Topping Success and Dream Collaborations
With five consecutive number-one hits on Billboard’s country charts, his career is undeniably soaring. Yet, his favorite song to perform, “Five More Minutes,” holds a special place. “It’s my baby,” he says, recalling how he knew it was special the day it was written. It became his first number one and still brings a lump to his throat during performances.
The meaning of his song “This Is It,” originally written for his wife before their engagement, has also evolved. What was once a tribute solely to her now encompasses their growing family, Avery included, symbolizing “what us as a team we’ve created.”
When it comes to dream collaborations, he sets his sights high. Garth Brooks is at the top of his list, a collaboration they’ve come close to making a reality. If he could collaborate with a past artist, it would undoubtedly be Elvis Presley, a lifelong inspiration.
The journey of balancing a thriving music career with the joys and challenges of parenthood is a testament to his dedication, both to his craft and to his family.