Check out our interview with emerging artist Adam Rutledge of Virginia!

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Right now I’m focused on promoting my new album “Runway,” writing new material for the next record and touring!

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

I grew up in a musical family. My dad was in bands when I was young as well as our church organist, so I just grew up immersed in it. I started out playing drums when I was 4 or 5, put the drum sticks down when I got into basketball, and didn’t really think much about music until I heard the live version of “Free Bird” when I was 13. That changed my life. I knew right then what I wanted to do with my life….play guitar! A few years after that my dad took me to see KISS, and that completely blew my mind. I’d say Lynyrd Skynyrd lit the fire and KISS poured on the gasoline.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

Working at a guitar shop or something like that. I’d have to be around guitars for sure.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Spending time with my family and Virginia Tech football! I have three kids : 4-year-old twins (boy and girl) and a 2-year-old daughter. They are the light of my life! My wife and I enjoy going to VT football games, and I’m completely eaten up with it. I’m on the message boards and I keep up with recruits…all that stuff! Love my Hokies!

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Rachel McAdams!

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Virginia Tech Hokies! I’m a true diehard!

What is the last movie that you watched?

“The House” with Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. It was pretty dang funny!

What is the last album you listened to?

Old Dominion’s “Happy Endings” and Post Malone’s “Beerbongs and Bentleys.”

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Lynyrd Skynyrd “One More from the Road.”

What is the greatest country song of all time?

“Mountain Music” by Alabama.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

We had some good times in St. Louis, Missouri!

What is your favorite meal?

Boston Zone from Mac N Bobs in Salem, Va. It’s basically a calzone, but it’s filled with chicken strips and covered in wing sauce and mozzarella cheese. It comes with blue cheese, ranch and marinara dipping sauce.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Keith Urban! He’s who got me into country music!

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Old Dominion! I just love that band, and also Matt Ramsey and Whit Sellers grew up around my hometown, so it’d be cool to go out with them.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To have longevity…To still be touring and making new records 20 years from now.