If you watch prime time network television or listen to the top tracks selection on your streaming platform of choice, you’re probably familiar with a few Mat Kearney songs. Since breaking through in 2006 on Columbia Records, Kearney has assembled a nice resume of songs that perform well in the adult contemporary charts. Describing his sound, everything makes sense when he cites Paul Simon as a main musical influence—you can hear Graceland as the center-point of Kearney’s impressive circle of pop sensibilities that tangents acoustic hip-hop, folk, and Americana.

Kearney keeps this vibe for his most recent album, Just Kids, wherein you will hear a definite nod to Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al” in his autobiographical single “One Black Sheep.” For the rest of the album, Kearney serves up his bread and butter—acoustic guitar and a pinch of synthesizer spread over anthemic choruses and sandwiched between a rapped narrative. To learn a little bit more about his story, we check in with Kearney, who is enjoying a little downtime in New York City before heading out for a fall tour in support of his latest record.

Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

Current city: Nashville, Tennessee

Do a lot of people move from Oregon to Nashville?

Ha! I’m not sure but there is definitely some sort of connection between the two for sure. When I first moved to Nashville there weren't any Oregonians, but over the years I have noticed a lot more.

What necessitated that move?

I was helping a friend drive out there. I was only supposed to be there for a month, but I never left.  

Tell me about when you first discovered music?

As a fan, I discovered it in my dad’s Volvo. The first record I remember really getting a hold of was Paul Simon’s Graceland. I loved it so much.

When did you know you wanted to sing and perform for others?

In high school, I would always jump on stage at start freestyling with random bands. It was ridiculous but I had no fear.  

What's the first song you ever wrote? What was it about?

It was called “Memorial Stones.” It was like the first folk rap song I had ever heard.

Who are your musical heroes and why do they inspire you?

Paul Simon because he always kept evolving. Bruce Springsteen — he's so epic it's hard not to love him. A Tribe Called Quest because they are the best.

The new album is called Just Kids—what is in that name?

It’s named after the song “Just Kids” on the album; it seemed to capture the heart of my what I was feeling while writing it. I found myself writing a lot about growing up.

You have a lot of road experience. How does that influence your songwriting style?

Early on I used to write a lot about traveling because I was always in the road. You also write songs that you think would be fun to play live.

Your songwriting is described as anthemic. Why?  

Good question. I'm not sure, but I do know I love huge singalong choruses and writing about difficult emotions. To be honest, it's how I deal with life sometimes — writing songs.

What is the best thing about being Mat Kearney?

I think it’s that I love doing things for people around me, it makes me so happy.

What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done for you?

Given me plants at Home Depot. It was pretty random but sweet.  

What's your secret when it comes to the songwriting process?

It's so varied. Sometimes I make a beat and listen to it for hours until the song hits me. Sometimes it's on a guitar. Sometimes it happens in seconds. It's elusive.  

How do you describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?

That’s a hard question and I feel like I always say something different! I’ll say beat-driven, emotional songwriter music with hip-hop and folk influences.