Chase Rice is heading to Ft. Lauderdale next weekend to be a part of the 2014 Tortuga Music Festival, and we had a chance to ask him some questions to help you get to know this hot up-and-comer better.  Check out what he had to say about how writing “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line has changed his life, what creeps him out, what he did before becoming a country star and more!

1.  Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival promotes conservation for our oceans, and they plan on inviting some of the artists out on excursions to educate them on some of their efforts.  Do you have anything lined up for that weekend yet?

 CR: Nope, but I’m down!

 2.  How has the success of “Cruise,” a song you co-wrote and was made into a smash hit by Florida Georgia Line, changed your life?

 CR: “Cruise” has given me amazing financial stability to tour how I want, take care of my band and crew, and live comfortably. It’s also given me respect from other songwriters in town, but not too much. I won’t get that until I have more than “Cruise.” I think “Ready Set Roll” will help take me to that next level.

 3.  Where were you when you first heard yourself on the radio, and what was your reaction?

 CR: I was in my truck with a couple of buddies I wrote the song with. It was on Sirius XM ‘The Highway.’ I damn near blew my speakers! 

 4.  What is the #1 item on your Bucket List?

 CR: I’ve never made a bucket list. I think it’s a cool idea, but it limits you. I want to do more than I could put on any list.

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

 CR: I’m passionate about anything I enjoy doing. I go 100% in everything I do. If I’m shooting a buck, I want to shoot the biggest buck anyone’s ever seen. If I’m racing go karts, I want to beat everyone faster than Earnhardt did. 

6.  If you weren’t in the music business, what would you be doing for a living right now?

 CR: What I did before I got into the music business — I was a pit crew worker at Hendrick Motorsports. I helped Jimmie Johnson’s crew win two titles before I left that job. 

 7.  What has been the biggest “Wow” moment in your musical career?

CR: Seeing “Cruise” on the ACM Awards last year was cool. But that doesn’t touch the week “Ready Set Roll” came out and sold what it sold. Then, just two days later, 1,500 people in Detroit sang every word to that song – after only two days of hearing it.

8.  What would you choose to have for your last meal?

CR: This thought really creeps me out!

9.  What are your thoughts on the state of today’s Country Music?

CR: I think it’s badass and anyone who disagrees, don’t waste my time next time I’m in your town. Stay at home. I only want fans who are ready to rage to some country music, and music in general. 

10.  What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?

CR: If you believe in your heart that you’re doing it the right way, and someone tells you you’re wrong, smile at them and go your path. More than anything, pursue fans — not a record deal. Record deals come and go, but fans are undeniable.