1.     Hello Patrick, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country music artist?

I have been making music for as long as I can remember.  The story my parents tell is taking me to see Titanic in theaters when I was about 7 years old. They whisked me away for “bathroom breaks” when the content became too inappropriate, but that didn’t stop me from soaking up all of the wonderful music in that film.  When we came home they found me at the piano playing the underscoring from the movie.  I don’t think country music really happened until I was sixteen and started singing in a country show at six flags over texas. I heard Lonestar’s “Amazed” on CMT and couldn’t believe that those kind of straight-forward, romantic lyrics could go with such beautiful music. By the time I was in college I had picked up a guitar, and that’s really when the country started flowing out.

2.     What made you want to have a career in country music?

Honestly, it kind of fell into my lap.  I always wanted to be someone who could bridge genres. A country Michael Buble, or a country Coldplay, but I didn’t really identify as a “country artist” until my late teenage years. One day I woke up and thought, “hey I drive a truck, I wear cowboy boots, I’m from Texas, I write songs from the heart…aww what the hell…I think I’m a country artist!”

3.     What is one of your all-time favorite country music albums?

Pure B.S. by Blake Shelton is sure up there for me. He was still singing a lot of those rangey ballads that first put him on the map and I couldn’t get over it. That whole record was just fantastic. This is a huge throwback, but I’m also a big fan of Ray Charles’ country record. Oh, and really anything Brooks and Dunn. 

4.     What is the background story behind your latest single “On My Way To You?”

This is one of the first songs I have released that I did not write.  I have said from the beginning, may the best song win, and I’ve always believed it. I didn’t want to be one of those artists who refuses to release a song unless he or she can change a line to get some writer credit (yes it happens.) I just want to record GREAT songs.  In my opinion, love songs don’t get much better than this. One day, probably five years ago, my girlfriend at the time (now fiancé) and I were going through old demos I had in my itunes folder. We stumbled upon this song that another industry friend had played me and instantly fell in love.  Well before I decided to cut it, Lauren had made the decision that this song (and not my version mind you…the demo version sang by one of the writers), would be our first dance.  I just hope I did it justice. 

5.     What is your recording process like when creating and making new music?

I’m a live performance guy through and through, so I won’t act like the recording studio is my absolute favorite place in the world, but it does come close.  There is nothing like closing your eyes with some great headphones on and getting lost in a song. I like to pull up an image or some words on my phone that inspire me, look at that a few moments before I begin, and then just let it flow out.  I really prefer full takes and think that’s how we make the real magic happen. I’m also lucky to work with a producer who happens to be the best vocal engineer in town as well.  He can read my mind and makes things happen without me having to ask him. It’s wonderful!

6.     How was your experience on The Voice?

Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago. That said, my experience was wonderful.  To fly cross country at twenty years old and get a crash course in the entertainment business, all the while rubbing shoulders with my heroes, is a blessing beyond description. I will always be grateful for the show and the opportunities it brought me.

7.     How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?

Soulful country for the heart

8.     What are a few of your favorite venues to play at?

I LOVE “The Listening Room” in downtown Nashville. When the Bluebird Cafe became a tourist attraction, (after the show “Nashvillle” on ABC), The Listening Room really stepped in to cater to larger audiences.  They have some amazing FOH sound engineers and it’s always a pleasure playing there. I also got the opportunity to play the historic Ryman Auditorium.  I’ll save that story for another time. Truly, an other-worldly experience.  Lastly, I’ve played a number of symphony halls across the country with my show “Country Legends.”  Each hall is different, but they are all equally spectacular and beautiful. 

9.     Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’d just like to encourage folks who are fans of my music, to follow me on Spotify/Instagram, etc.  Those follows, and pre-saves of music, pre-purchases on itunes…they are all VERY helpful for an emerging artist’s career. Can’t thank you enough for that!

10.  What is one of your favorite quotes? 

I’m embarrassed to say this, but I really don’t have a favorite quote. At least not something that wouldn’t sound super cliché! I guess I’ll quote my mother and her mother as well who would always say, “This too shall pass.”  Seems fitting during these trying times.