Mat Kearney

I love Bruce Springsteen's writing, but I grew up on '90s hip hop, like Tribe Called Quest.

I love to play the songs that got me to where I am. I like to take a little bit from all of my records and mix it up.

When 'Young Love' came out, I was really excited, and it has been really special.

As an artist, you tend to gravitate to the opposite. I know, when I finish a song or an album, I'm interested in doing something completely new. It doesn't always happen, but that's the idea. My poor fans - I don't know if they love that or hate that.

There are people I love in Nashville and would not want to go a day without talking to, but I want to see the world.

When I was in college, I wanted to study film. My first passion was to be a cinematographer. So maybe there's something innate in my music where it partners well with images.

More than any other instrument, the relationship between an acoustic guitar and a microphone is super-important. The kind of mics that you use and your placement of the mics to the guitar can radically alter your sound.

I love what I do. I love playing music.

I love Michigan.

Young Love' is about falling in love and dealing with your past so you can move forward. I wanted it to be a clear record.

From my experience, I've been honest about who I am and what I believe and the motivation behind my music. But I've played it in arenas that are for all people. I've pretty much stuck to that model my whole career.

You go to a Springsteen show, and half of the people are there to party and forget about their cares, and they're being drawn to this visceral experience. And then the other half, you know, has lived and died with his 'Nebraska' album and considers him one of the greatest poets.