The new album isn't exactly what people might have expected from a guy often called a honky-tonker — though those classic elements are present, too. Where did you begin with these songs?

I just reached a point where the thought of writing and singing any more songs about heartache and drinking made me feel incredibly bored with music. It's just not a headspace I occupy much these days. Nighttime reading about theology, cosmology, and breakthroughs in modern physics and their relationship to a few personal experiences I've had led to most of the songs on the album.

I expected to be labeled the “acid country guy,” but it's not something I dwell on. I would urge anyone that gets hung up on the song being about drugs to give another listen … to me “Turtles” is about giving your heart to love and treating everyone with compassion and respect no matter what you do or don't believe. The cosmic turtle is from a much quoted story found in publications throughout modern physics and philosophy, even ancient theology, that now essentially serves as a comedic picture or expression of a much grander idea.

As for CMT playing the video, I honestly never gave it too much thought. What they do is great to a lot of people, and it creates jobs for a lot of people, but mainstream country avenues weren't really a goal for me with this album. I'm interested in exploring various forms of newer media that might allow those who otherwise don't listen to country to find and connect with my music.

 

Are you as confused as I am? But hey whatever floats your boat! This is one of the reasons I love country music, you can be yourself! One thing is for sure, Strugill does have a incredible voice. Just listening to he melody made me incredibly relaxed and left me intrigued! Who knows maybe listening to his music will teach me a thing or two, learning is always something I am game for!

We are dying to know, what do you thing about this different approach to country music? Share your thoughts, heck maybe you can explain to us what he is singing about!

For more on this story take a look at the record.