Josh Abbott Explains How Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen Inspired Him [Interview]

I had the opportunity to talk with Josh Abbott as he gears up to play Crude Fest 2015 on May 14-16 near Midland. Abbott revealed that fellow Crude Fest acts helped him find his footing in Texas country music.

Abbott explained to me that watching The Randy Rogers Band and Wade Bowen perform live in Lubbock helped direct him onto his current career path.

"I just always remember being super inspired whenever they were there, I'm not sure why, the same for Wade Bowen," said Abbott. "Just watching those guys up at Blue Light, I just remember thinking like, 'man, I want to do that.'"

For the uninformed, Abbott put his band together in 2006 with fraternity brothers right before starting Grad School at Texas Tech. Before then, he only played guitar for fun.

The country singer also talked about touring, the band's quick success and plans for the future. He admitted he had to learn a lot on the fly and that the Josh Abbott Band still has a long way to go. But a key goal for Abbott is simply making Lubbock proud.

"I hope I can represent Lubbock in a way that they would be proud and write songs in a way that make people from Lubbock proud to call me their own," said Abbott.

Rest assured, Josh -- Lubbock is very proud of you.

The Josh Abbott Band is one of the headliners for Crude Fest 2015, happening May 14-16 near Midland, Texas. Tickets are available now.