Hayes tries averting soph jinx

What's the biggest crowd you've performed in front of so far?

About 35,000. It's weird. It's an ocean.

What's an average day like for you now?

If we have to be on a morning show, we have to get up pretty early. Then, I'll do interviews most of the morning. Then, we come to the hotel and I take a shower and get ready for sound check. Then, we go to sound check and do that. Then, go to dinner and get dressed, and by that time, it's show time. Then, we have to travel too.

Although your free time is sparse, what do you do when you have some?

I like to read a lot. I love to fish and ride horses. I bought a new truck that I've been tinkering with. Tried to fix it up. I like doing stuff with my hands. I've been building houses since I was a kid with my dad. I built houses when I moved to Nashville as well. We worked on three or four while I was here. Also, anything outdoors I'm going to be in to.

What are some of your goals?

I want some more number one songs, I want to write some more number one songs, and I want a platinum record. I'd give anything to have that. We passed gold a few months ago on the first album. We're on our way to platinum, it's just a matter of time.

Are there any accomplishments that stand out in your mind so far?

My mind is so one tracked that I can't see beyond my career right now. I have my mind set on attaining those things. After that I'll think about something else. I want my dream to come true.

You seem a little stressed by the whole stardom thing. Do you ever plan on relaxing?

That's hard to say. I've had trouble appreciating this because I'm always worried about the next step. I don't really take time and think, "Gosh, look what we've done." I just feel like they'll be time enough for that some day, but there's just not now.

Hopefully, some day I will.

Do you have any advice you'd like to relate to new artists?

Work hard, and don't give up if they want it bad enough. Pray a lot about it. Hard work goes a long way.

Is there anything about you that you'd like people to know?

Just how much I sincerely appreciate what's going on in my life right now. I know it wouldn't be happening without people liking my music and being a fan. If I could ever let people know how much I appreciate them, that would be the one thing I'd want them to know.