10 Questions with ... Halfway To Hazard

NAME:Halfway To Hazard TITLE:Artists LABEL:StyleSonic/Picnic Hill/Bigger Picture Entertainment WEB:www.halfwaytohazard.com BORN:Chad Warrix - Jackson, KY; David Tolliver - Hindman, KY RAISED:Chad Warrix - Jackson, KY; David Tolliver - Hindman, KY

1) What drew you to the song "I Know Where Heaven Is"?

CHAD WARRIX: We listened to almost 500 songs, but I knew as soon as the first chorus hit, that it was something David and I wanted. It's up-tempo and it has a great positive message that is a side of H2H I wasn't sure most people knew we have.

DAVID TOLLIVER: It's a song about everyday life that anyone can identify with! Makes me think of being back home in Kentucky!

CW: It takes a pretty special song for DT and I to fall in love with it, because we are writers too and it's hard not to try and write them all. We know that the best songwriters in the world are here in Nashville and we feel lucky to have found this gem.

2) Why did you decide to release this album on your own independent label?

DT: The way that the music biz is these days you CAN do it on your own! With all of the media outlets at your fingertips, why not? You get more of yourself into the music when you don't have to answer to a label panel of 50.

CW: It was time for a change. We, as artists, have to adapt everyday in business. This industry is based on opinion, and opinions change with wind. I love having my hand in every decision - from sticker design to producing the album - so with my own label I'm able to do that. If certain strategies don't work or need manipulating on the fly, I look only to me for blame or ideas on how to fix it.

3) What is behind the meaning of "Picnic Hill"?

CW: Picnic Hill is the name of my childhood neighborhood, and is still where my parents call home. I have awesome memories from that place, so I wanted to create a business that has the same synergy - family, friends, teamwork and fun. Music should be respected, but it also should be fun.

DT: We had a couple of other label names but they fell through. I wanted "Possum Trot Records" but nobody else liked it.

4) Why did you choose Buckhorn Center as your philanthropy?

DT: We wanted to choose a charity back home and Buckhorn is a great facility. It's nice to actually go and see the kids and know that the money you helped raise is being put to good use.

CW: DT and I both have children so we have a special place in our hearts for kids that have needs like the ones at Buckhorn. The staff and the kids have been very receptive to our efforts and we receive thank you letters all the time. It was important to us to make an impact in our area, because it's so needed. Eastern Kentucky is beautiful and full of wonderful people that have supported H2H for a long time so it's only fitting that we give back.

5) You have had the chance to work with some big name artists (Tim Mcgraw, Jason Aldean, Faith Hill). If you could share the stage with any act, who would it be?

CW: We've been blessed to share the stage with so many excellent performers and legends. It is the ultimate compliment. There are so many people that have influenced me musically that are still kicking butt today like Garth [Brooks], The Eagles, Travis Tritt, Brooks & Dunn, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Rogers, Lenny Kravitz, and Merle Haggard. There are some whom are already gone, so I'm dreaming: Led Zeppelin, Keith Whitley, Jimi Hendrix, Waylon [Jennings], [Johnny] Cash and SRV.

DT: Keith Whitley - he left us way too early! Garth Brooks - he got me playing country! Wham - because they wake me up before I "go-go."

6) What is different about this album than your first album? What we can we expect from the new album?

DT: We have more creative control on this album. Blending harmonies, switching vocals, rock and country tones! We even put a hidden Polka track of Indian outlaw in. See if you can find it!

CW: It is basically exactly where we left off on the last album. Two lead singers, Kentucky harmonies, great guitar-driven southern rock, infectious beats, great country lyrics - passionate music done with a purpose!

7) What is your most embarrassing moment on stage? What is your craziest stage antic?

DT: Tim McGraw likes to laminate lyric cheat sheets to his stage and when we were in Atlanta on tour with him last year, I slipped on one and ended up playing our hit "Daisy" on my back for the last half of the song! Fun, and I think I totally pulled it off!

CW: Forgetting a lyric or having a brain lapse and totally screwing up a guitar part. I've also been known to get too far from the microphone because I'm rocking out with the crowd. By the time I realize a vocal part is coming, I just know I'm not going to make it back to the mic in time!!

8) What's the most memorable thing a fan has done for you?

CW: Last year we had some special fans put together a scrapbook documenting the previous year. It was really cool and I could tell they put a lot of work into it. Our fans are unbelievable. They are so loyal, and passionate, it humbles me.

DT: Naming their child after our song! A girl came up to me in Florida this year and said she named her daughter Daisy after our first single! Pretty cool. She also had my face tattooed on her bum - that's not true, sorry.

9) What is currently in your CD player?

CW: It's a 6 disc changer- Tim McGraw's Greatest Hits, our new album of course, Randy Houser, Genesis, Michael Jackson, & Bad Company

DT: Dierks Bentley - he is a great friend and great artist!

10) What is the greatest part of being a duo?

BOTH: Having a "brother" on the road. It can get lonely out there, with all the travel, having each other keeps it fun and interesting. It's also awesome to be able to share this great ride with each other!

1) What was the first concert you ever attended?

DT: Tanya Tucker and Vince Gill in my hometown of Hindman, KY

CW: Tina Turner at Rupp Arena with my parents when I was 9.

2) What are your favorite junk foods?

DT: Chocolate cake with chocolate icing, ice cream, and gingerbread.

CW: Peanut M&Ms, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies with nuts, and Snyder's Hot Wing-Flavored pretzels. Also, I like an occasional Dorito or 7.

3) Which of the two of you is more annoying on the road?

CW: DT and I both have our moments - we are both clean freaks and hate clutter. Generally, we are very compatible - we both love movies, although he likes to take over the back lounge of the bus by watching the same Harry Potter movies 10 times on one run! I'm probably a little too business-oriented and DT can be a little too picky about his food.

DT: Chad, because he fixes his hair too much!