We had a chance to ask Illinois native Drew Baldridge some questions…check out the interview with this supremely talented singer then scroll down to watch his music video for “Missing A Shoe” and tell us what you think!

Your new single is “Missing a Shoe,” which is a pretty unique title. What is the story behind the song and the title?

My co-wrtier Monty Criswell actually had the idea. We were sitting around talking about what kind of song we wanted to write and I just kept saying that I wanted to write something that had a very unique title. I love unique titles! Then he told me the idea of “Missing a Shoe” and it took us awhile to figure out how we were gonna write the song without making the girl sounding too drunk ha. I think it ended up turning out just like we wanted!

Where were you when you first heard yourself on the radio, and what was that experience like?

I was actually in my car driving down the road. It was one of my local stations up in Illinois! It’s a feeling that will never get old. I still scream like a little school girl when I hear myself haha!

We like to give our readers a little insight into the person behind the music…what is the #1 item on your Bucket List?

The #1 thing on my bucket list would be to travel the world. I love seeing new places and doing new adventures.

You gave up a possible career as an athlete, having played both baseball and basketball.  What was the last real job you held before shifting to music full-time?

I had my own mowing business ever since I was 15. I have always worked for myself my whole life. I actually worked the mowing business up enough that my Dad ended up taking it over when I moved to Nashville. Now he is retired and mows about 30 yards a week ha!

Outside of music, what is something that you are passionate about?

I love going back up to Illinois to fish and hunt with my friends. I really enjoy spending as much downtime as I can with my family too! I’m really attached to my hometown area and I don’t think that is something will ever go away!

What has been the biggest “wow” moment of your career?

The biggest wow moment in my career is when I got to play four shows with my idol Josh Turner up in the Northeast this past summer. I’ll never forget how he stopped his show to say my name. I just cried like a big baby haha. One of the greatest moments of my music career for sure!

What is the most played song on your mp3 player?

I’ve been going through a weird phase of playing sad songs right now ha. I just really love a song that makes you feel something. So right now the most played song is “Keep It to Yourself” by Kacey Musgraves!

What is the #1 goal you hope to achieve in your music career?

The #1 goal I hope to achieve is to play the Grand Ole Opry! That would be a surreal moment for me and all my fans!

What are your thoughts on the state of today’s country music?

I love where country music is going. It gives someone like me creative freedom and a chance to push envelops! Country music is always gonna be evolving no matter what, however, it’s always gonna be country music because it tells a story. It doesn’t matter what kind of production is on it!

What advice would you to an aspiring artist trying to make a career out of music?

Don’t give up on your dream. It takes so much work but you just have to put the work in. Always work harder than everyone around you. No matter what you do there is gonna be someone more talented than you. You have to learn as you go! Don’t try to master something before jumping into it. Sometimes you learn the most by doing it!

Nothing is given to you in this business! So be ready!!!