Randy Houser Takes His ‘Time’ on New Album

Randy Houser's not exactly a rule follower. When the Mississippi native wrote his latest hit, 'In God's Time,' his record label was still promoting his sophomore album, 'They Call Me Cadillac,' and wasn't ready for a new single that wasn't on a full album. But Randy simply couldn't wait for his fans to hear this tune -- the one he calls his favorite and most personal he's ever written. So, he filmed himself performing it, premiered the video right here on The Boot and never thought twice about the fact his fans couldn't yet buy 'In God's Time.' He was just blown away by how much they loved it.

"Fan feedback has been awesome," Randy tells The Boot. "It's been a big part of settling me down. That song came at a time where I kinda got slapped upside the head and realized I've gotta straighten some things out. It's been really cool. The stories that I get from people ... It's not like putting another 'Boots On' song out. This one, I get stories that it's changed people's lives. That's what we make music for. It's not about making money."

The song did make its way to iTunes a few weeks later and was an instant sales success. But Randy's not too concerned about the momentum 'In God's Time' has given him and swears he's taking his time on crafting a full album to follow.

"I'm not going to rush myself into anything right now. I'm laying back and just seeing what happens," he says with a smile. "But I am constantly writing for the new record."

Randy predicts that every track on this third studio album will be written or co-written by him, unless he "finds something really amazing" like he did with his debut single, 'Anything Goes,' written by Brice Long and John Wiggins. But those two guys are a rare breed, as apparently most songwriters shy from approaching Randy with material.

"Nobody ever plays me any of their songs!" Randy laments. "It's like people [are saying about me], 'He ain't gonna cut it, he's gonna write it!' I never hear outside songs like some other artists do."

Randy is currently living out a lifelong dream, opening for Willie Nelson. He's on the Country Throwdown tour with the Redheaded Stranger, along with buddies Jamey Johnson, Lee Brice, Craig Campbell and a long list of other budding country stars.

"We're having fun. Every night we're having a little cookout and people get up and jam," Randy explains. "This feels like a family atmosphere ... like having a family reunion everyday.

"I never even dreamed of getting to tour with Willie," he continues. "But sometimes the stars line up, like you were predestined to do something. And whether I become a huge star, who cares because guess what I got to do this summer?! [laughs]"

The Country Throwdown tour runs through July 4. Check out cities and dates here.