The headlining act at the seventh annual Day at the Lake Sunday at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds will be rising country artist Dustin Lynch. His self-titled Broken Bow Records debut hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, and the lead single, “Cowboys and Angels,” exceeded platinum sales status, according to his provided biography. His follow-up single, “She Cranks My Tractor,” became a No. 1 video on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown. The concert Sunday benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Other acts will include Trick Pony, John King and Hubie Ashcroft & The Drive. Lynch is touring to promote his upcoming CD release, “Where It’s At,” due out Sept. 9. He took some time recently from his promotional work to answer some questions via email. Q: Your upcoming album is “Where It’s At.” What's the meaning/significance of the title? Dustin Lynch: This is my second chapter of music ... a chapter of songs that is “where I am at” in my life ... these songs are situations/emotions I or people close to me have been in or felt over the past couple of years. Q: What musicians or sounds, if any, influenced this album? Lynch: “The Light The Fuse” tour with Keith Urban and Little Big Town definitely influenced this record. There was an energy in the air that I've never felt before and that energy definitely shows up in several songs and the production on this album. Q: The album is set to be released Sept. 9, about a month away. Do you feel more nervous/excited for this album than your first album? Lynch: I’m very excited about this record ... more so than my first because I have made so many new friends and fans and can't wait for them to hear these new songs. Q: In making “Where It’s At,” what did you learn from making the first album to help with this one? Lynch: Confidence. I was able to get into character a lot easier when singing, and also from a producing standpoint was a lot more involved with this album just because I knew what I was doing this time around. Q: Does “Where It’s At” have more energy than your first, “Dustin Lynch,” CD? Or is it a mix? Lynch: We specifically “went for it” for the LIVE show on a few songs on this album. We still have some very tender and impactful moments in my opinion as well. I am proud to say this is a well-rounded album. Q: When you perform live, how would you characterize your live performance? Lynch: As a big ole dance party! I’m all about creating an atmosphere where we get the crowd involved in the show – hands in the air and just forget about everything in life except being in the moment and singing/dancing. I always hope people walk away from our shows saying, “Wow, I can’t wait to do that again!” Q: What kind of promotions can your fans expect from you for this upcoming album? Will there be lots of touring involved? Lynch. We are touring nonstop and loving it. On days where I don’t have a full band event I am popping up randomly across the country and hosting #whereitsat parties where I play the new album and give some insight to new songs, etc. I have 30-something shows in a row leading up to the album week. Q: You've said George Strait is one of your heroes. Why, and what have you learned from him as one of his fans? Lynch: How to sing, how to sell a song, to deliver the melody and lyric in a way that you can taste it. Q: Where do you want your career to go in 5 years? 10 years? 25 years? Lynch: All of those marks I have the same goal in mind ... to create the best music I possibly can and put on the very best shows to my ability. If we stay the course I think a lot of my other goals will get taken care of. Q: There's 15 tracks on your upcoming albums, many of which you co-wrote. Do you enjoy the writing process with others, and do you one day want to write an entire album by yourself, or is it more fun to work with others? Lynch: I prefer to write with others. There’s something magical about walking in to a room with a couple of friends and creating something no one can take away from us and that something might end up affecting someone else's life ... that is so cool! I like to blueprint songs on my own ... get an idea started then present it to others to get different angles/opinions on how it can be best executed. Q: You’ll be performing at the Kosciusko County fairgrounds Aug. 17 in Warsaw at the seventh annual Day at the Lake, benefitting St. Jude Children’s Hospital. What philanthropies are important to you? Does a concert with a cause take on a different meaning/more importance for you? Lynch: I do a lot of work with St. Jude every year ... multiple shows and appearance ... really any charity that involves children I'm so happy to lend my time to. I’ve been so blessed to be able to live my childhood dream, and given this platform I love to see others’ dreams come true. –––––––– Lynch didn’t shy away from a few “fun” questions either for this interview. Q: What song by another artist do you wish you wrote? Lynch: “Happy” by Pharrell Q: Are movies or television appearances something you'd like to do down the road? Lynch: I’m always up for a challenge. Q: What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever said to you, thrown at you or had you sign? Lynch: I signed a chicken sandwich then the kid ate it in front of me! Q: What’s your favorite sports team and why? Lynch: Tough one! I love SEC football Q: Drink? Lynch: Chocolate Malt Milkshake Q: City? Lynch: Nashville Q: Movie? Lynch: Too tough to answer. Q: Any juicy rumors about you that you want to squash now? Lynch: You tell me! I love a good rumor.Gates for the Day at the Lake open at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be free kids activities from noon to 3 p.m., along with Mel’s Pony Rides and Petting Zoo, food vendors and merchandise vendors. The beer tent opens at noon, with the grandstand opening at 3 p.m. The concert starts at 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $15, and are available at Willie Studios, 216 W. Market St., Warsaw, and Willie1035.com
