And Now A Word From Rich O’Toole

I recently had an opportunity to shoot over a few “burning questions” to Rich O’Toole.  He’s always a ton of fun to hang out with and share a few stories.  Here are a few of them and his responses.  Dang, I love this guy!

Read my questions and Rich’s answers after the jump.

Last week you dropped another single, “Talk About The Weather” another great song from Rich O’Toole.

Recently you’ve released multiple singles in contrast to bundling songs into a full length album or EP. What is the methodology in releasing singles and do you see this as a trend in the future of music?

I like dropping a couple singles first before the album comes out. It gets people ready to buy a full length album. It’s like letting somebody test drive a cart they want to buy.

I’ll personally never forget the first Rich O’Toole live performance I had the pleasure to see. What has changed in your live performances and what are the things that have remained the same?

A lot has changed but the energy is the same. I get a lot of panic attacks on stage so its hard for me to stand still. That’s why I move around a lot. We have a killer band I tour with now. we have added a Sax and Keyboard player on the full band tour in May. Very excited.

Who are some of your musical influences?

It started with Robert Earl Keen and now has morphed into Bruce Springsteen, Mellencamp and The Rolling Stones.

What’s your opinion on the Tom Petty vs Sam Smith lawsuit and how do you think it effects artists across the board?

Music has been around for so long know that it’s hard not to copy somebody every know and then. Older artist should just see it as flattery and not competition.

If you could write a song with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would say Bob Dylan just to see what its all about. But first Springsteen. I look up to him so much so I would love to write with Bruce. His son Evan opened all of our East coast shows last year and I was very impressed. It was hard not to ask about his father on the tour. But I kept quite and let him do his thing.

Of all the songs that you’ve written, which one are you most proud of and which one makes you cringe just a little?

My vocal on the “Seventeen” makes me cringe a bit. I was so young and green. Every album I have released I got a little better at singing and writing. So I look forward to every new album I put out because it will be better than the last. Its all about learning and becoming a better you as you go.

What is your first concert you went to?

George Strait at The Astrodome when I was 7. I was hooked since. I would dance around the house jumping on the couch with a Tennis racquet doing my best Dwight Yoakum leg shake. It you have seen me perform live you will know what that is all about.

What is the strangest fan request you’ve ever had?

Stuff I can talk about…Asking me to sign cell phones and body parts. Thats always weird.

Your Mom has a striking resemblance to Kris Jenner, in fact I think I read where she was mistaken for her at LAX. With that in mind, which Kardashian would you be and why?

Haha. At first it was cool and now is very annoying, but funny. I don’t really watch the show but I would have to say Scott D. he seems like he’s always in trouble.

Besides tacos with a side of good wine, what is your favorite “on the road” food?

I love Chick-fil-a and waffle house so much. It’s so good.

What advice would you give to an emerging artist?

Don’t listen to any haters and follow your heart. If you want it bad enough you can make it happen!

Is there one particular person in the industry or not that has given you a valuable piece of advice and what was it?

Pat Green once told me “35% of country music is bought in Texas” So I try and stay loyal as possible and know that I live and perform in the best state in the United States!

What is your one pet peeve that you wished people would or would not do during one of your shows?

Text in the front row, and just stand there. If I’m moving a lot, you should be moving a lot and getting into it! You paid for a show so please enjoy it.

What’s your favorite color?

Black, I own 37 black t-shirts. I started my own clothing line 17 Army this year. most of the clothes will be black. I think its easy. Its like my Rock N Roll uniform.

Favorite venue or town?

New Braunfels & Gruene Hall

So, “Let’s Talk About the Weather”, favorite season and why?

Winter and Christmas! I love sitting by the fire!

Thanks Cara and RFT! Y’all Rock!!!