10 Questions with ... Randy Houser

NAME:Randy Houser TITLE:Artist LABEL:Universal Records South WEB:www.randyhouser.com BORN:Jackson, MS RAISED:Lake, MS

1) What do you most look forward to on your CMT Tour headlining with Jamey Johnson?

This is something we've wanted to do for a long time. We've both been out supporting our albums for a while now and it's been tough to find time to visit. So, it's gonna be cool to get to hang out, write some songs, have a drink or two and most of all, play some music together.

2) Randy Lewis from the Los Angeles Times said that you "join rebel songwriters that add grit to the genre." What does that mean to you?

I just think he understands that I do come from the songwriter world and am not one of the pretty boys that are signed who can almost carry a tune in a bucket. I've been doing this all my life and it's all I ever imagined myself doing. I didn't just decide one day that I wanted to be a "star." I'm very serious about music and I hope we see an outpour of artists who feel the same in the next couple years. I wanna hear people sing from their guts with fearlessness. That's what "grit" is to me.

3) What is your favorite part about the music video for "Boots On"?

As for the video, I like watching Drake rock out with such passion. You can see that he feels the song just the way I do.

4) What does it mean to be the only new male artist in country music to reach the Top 5 since Chuck Wicks in February 2008 and to be the most played new male artist of 2009?

I wish I could take all the credit for that, but I have to say that my team at Universal Records South is hugely responsible for that. They have all worked tirelessly for me, and we all believe in each other's abilities, so I thank them for the passion in me as an artist. It's very exciting to be accepted at country radio the way I have been. Those program directors and music directors out there have SO much to choose from. I will always try to provide something viable for them to work with. I feel like I've got a long way to go at building that relationship with radio. It doesn't happen overnight with one or two hits; this is something I have to dedicate myself to for my entire career.

5) What is your favorite song from your debut album Anything Goes and why?

My favorite song from the album is "I'll Sleep." It's a piece of time from my life and one of those songs that still almost makes me weep when I hear it. Can't listen to it much. I have only played it a few times.

6) You are from a small town in Mississippi. What about your upbringing influences you the most as an artist?

I think that as an artist, you should be a voice for the place you come from. Somebody has to stand up and be proud to be from a small town. Be proud you were raised how you were raised. Be proud of the people who raised you. It's like the old saying goes, 'it takes a village to raise a child.'

7) You've performed over 200 shows in just the first year of supporting your debut album. What is the best/worst part of performing so many dates?

The best part is that I get to play music so much. That's my first love. The worst thing is missing the folks I love. It gets pretty lonely out on the road. It helps to have friends come out and visit.

8) You're reaching nearly 30 MILLION listeners every week with your music. What is the most important thing you want fans to know about you?

I just want people to know that I'm not in this for pure fame or money. I just absolutely love what I do, always have and will be playing music and writing songs as long as I'm breathing.

9) What are your plans post-CMT tour?

Rehab.

10) As "Boots On" approaches #1 (fingers crossed!), you are probably thinking about what single will be next. What have you chosen and why?

"My Kind Of Country" will be the next single. I feel like it further defines who I am as an artist. I like the stomp in it. It reminds me of home.

1) We hear your Mom makes the most incredible biscuits. Do they compare with Loveless Café or Cracker Barrel?

They mostly compare to KFC.

2) What's your favorite 'out of format' act right now?

I dig 3 Doors Down - they put on a great live show. Blackberry Smoke is my other favorite band, but they should be in this format as far as I'm concerned. I think this format needs them.