Interview: Country singer-songwriter Phil Vassar

When Phil Vassar moved to Nashville in 1987 to pursue a career in country music, he was unsure of his writing talents. If he could score one hit, he figured, it would validate his abilities and pave the way for his own record deal.

The country singer underestimated himself. Top-notch talent recognized his abilities and soon began recording his tracks--Tim McGraw did "My Next 30 Years" and "For a Little While"; Jo Dee Messina took on "I'm Alright" and "Bye Bye"; Collin Raye scored a hit with "Little Red Rodeo"; and Alan Jackson recorded "Right on the Money."

In February 2000, Vassar released his self-titled debut on Arista Records, and the success continued. Country radio picked up on the songs "Carlene," "Just Another Day in Paradise" and "Six-Pack Summer," and Vassar was nominated for both Top New Male Vocalist at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Discovery Award, given to new talent at the TNN and CMT Country Weekly Music Awards.

SoundSpike correspondent Christina Fuoco talked with Vassar about songwriting, touring, his album and his in-the-works sophomore effort.

SoundSpike: How long have you been writing songs?

Phil Vassar: When I moved to Nashville. I moved there to be a singer, actually. That's when I started picking up the songwriting thing. I wanted to learn how to do it. I didn't do it very well at first. It took a long time to get into the groove of it. When I did, I was still looking for a record deal at that time. I started getting my songs cut, and I thought that would validate me to get a record deal.

Did your 30th birthday inspire you to write "My Next 30 Years"?

Yes, I wrote it on my birthday.

How did you feel when you heard that Tim McGraw wanted to record that song?

Any time you get a song recorded by Tim, it's a good thing. [At first], I heard that it wasn't going to make the album. Then I thought, "I'll cut it on my album." Then I heard it was going to be on the album--but then I heard it wasn't going to be a single. Then it became a single, and then it became a big hit. You can never tell what is going to happen.

Have you started working on your follow-up?

Yes, I've cut six songs already. I cut a song that I wrote with [matchbox twenty singer] Rob Thomas called "Someone You Love." It's really gonna be good. It will probably come out in February.

How did you hook up with Rob Thomas?

We actually write for the same company. They were trying to get us together. When we did, we hit it off. It's really cool. It's neat just to write with great writers, no matter what genre you're in. It's just inspiring to see how other people work.

How will your new record differ from your debut?

It's gonna be different. I definitely do think so. I think I learned a lot about the process and what I need to do. Every song on the record doesn't have to be a single. I'm working with [guitarist] Larry Byrom again, which is a lot of fun. It's a more aggressive record. It goes a little deeper, as far as songs go.

Looking at your tour itinerary, you've really been able to work with different people--ranging from Kenny Rogers to Kenny Chesney.

It's a really diverse bunch. It's so much fun. Every tour has its own little thing. I learned a lot from Kenny Rogers. We have had long, long conversations. What's different about this tour--before, it was just me and a piano--this year, it's a full-blown, "Let's rock" show.