Jake Owen Conveys Country Music’s ‘Universal’ Appeal

Jake Owen is on the fast track to stardom, thanks in part to his recent hit, 'Eight Second Ride,' which he wrote in response to his brother's assertion that Jake had a few too many "chick" songs! But while he enjoys writing his own songs, penning eight of the ten tunes on his latest CD, 'Easy Does It,' Jake says he'll always stay open to other writer's songs as well.

"Jason Aldean is having great success, but he doesn't want to write any songs," Jake tells the Charlotte Observer. "George Strait wrote one or two songs throughout his career. Same with Kenny Chesney. I didn't move to town thinking I would be a songwriter. I tend to write what I know about. Songs that convey who I am, but I also try to keep an open mind of what is out there."

His music, which seamlessly combines the influences of his heroes, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. with an edgier, more contemporary sound, has made Jake stand out in a sea of successful male artists. And while others have struggled throughout their career to find a balance between honoring the legends and generating mass appeal, Jake says it's a pretty easy concept.

"As much as people think times are changing, you go back in history and country is very universal through today -- it's about the everyday American lifestyle, to be able to relate to the mom that's taking kids to kindergarten or a guy driving to work to put a roof on a house," the ACM award winner explains."I'm 28 and I try to tie into a new modern sound, but at the same time I'm connected with the older roots. I want to keep that whole legacy from the folks I listened to growing up. I talked to Brad Paisley about it when I was on tour with him about how even though I'm a young artist, it's important to continue the promotion of guys like me playing the Grand Ole Opry."

Jake will be performing next month at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, along with several of country music's biggest stars, including Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw and several others.