Meet Eric Paslay: Newcomer Rocks the Country World With Debut Album – Exclusive Video

Eric Paslay is releasing his debut album, but country fans are already familiar with his work.

The singer-songwriter has already experienced huge success as a writer, penning hits including Jake Owen's 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' 'Even if It Breaks Your Heart' by Eli Young Band and Love and Theft's 'Angel Eyes.' His debut single, 'Friday Night,' also spent time at the top of the charts.

But it didn't always come easy to the 30-year-old Texas native, who admits in the exclusive video above that he had to fight for his own rocking country sound.

"The night that I discovered that I can sing with a lot of soul, someone said I wasn't rockin' enough," he shares. "I remember sittin' there, and I was just thinking, 'You don't think I'm rockin' enough?'"

He took that as a challenge, reaching for a big high note at the end of a song called 'Less Than Whole' that was a show-stopper. "And I remember looking around, and everyone was just looking like . . ." he trails off with an expression of disbelief.

He adds, "I think that taught me, when you feel like you've hit a wall, just tear it down."

Paslay's tearing down walls in the country genre with the release of his self-titled debut, which is available in stores and at iTunes beginning Tuesday (Feb. 4). He's been busy out on the road in support of the album, which is the culmination of all of his hard work.

“I think this album has taught me to not be afraid to be me,” he says.

Paslay is also offering fans the chance to win an autographed guitar. Get acquainted with the rising star in the video above, and sign up to win below.