Andy Grammer is a multi-platinum pop singer and songwriter with six certified gold hits who believes in inspiring and empowering the world by communicating his truths through his music.

Grammer’s concept of what it means to be honest, and how to achieve it, is heard throughout his music. His global smash hits, “Fresh Eyes”and “Smoke Clears,” became streaming phenomenons with over 300 million total streams. We talked with him ahead of his tour stops in Texas.

How did you get into music?

My father is a Grammy-nominated children’s singer and my mother helped him write the songs. I grew up with songwriting in the house and in my blood. The older I get the luckier I feel about it.

What was your favorite part about being on Dancing with the Stars?

Being a part of art on such a massive scale was pretty special. Pulling together these routines with all the lighting, costume, set and choreography. It was an incredible process.

Which song of yours has been the most fun to put together?

Lately, getting to shoot the “Fresh Eyes” video down on skid row in Los Angeles was amazing. We gave makeovers to people in the homeless community, and it was one of the best days of my life.

What’s the best thing about being on tour?

You know when you go visit a friend you LOVE? That’s tour for me. It’s all these people that I love. It’s a really special relationship because we may not have met before but we are connected through music. They are the best part of tour.

Have you ever been to Texas? If so, where did you go, and what was your favorite part?

I have been to Texas many, many times and I’m coming soon – in less than a month. Nov. 12th, 13th, and 14th, my tour is hitting Dallas, Austin and Houston. But I’ve played in San Antonio, Corpus Christi—-and smaller cities too. I love the pride of Texas. Anywhere that has a good sense of itself and is proud of it, I can get down with that.

What are you looking forward to while touring in Texas?

As a touring musician, Austin holds a special place in my heart. To have a city make a name for itself based on live music, feels a bit like home for musicians when you arrive. I’ve been to SXSW many times and love the vibe.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I still haven’t spent time in Japan. I am a huge fan of robots and their game shows – can’t wait to go.

Out of the genres that your songs usually fall under—-pop rock, soul, pop and country pop—-which is your favorite to perform?

I care more about the song than anything. Is the song good? Does the lyric hit you? Does it make you feel something? Once that’s in place, I am a bit of a shape shifter sonically. I like it that way.

What inspired you to write “Honey, I’m Good?”

I wrote that on my second album after being out on tour many nights in different cities. I think anyone married deals with wandering eyes, and if you can say something everyone’s thinking, but no one has said, that usually makes for good art.

The “Honey, I’m Good” official music video is very cool! What inspired you to go with that concept?

I just felt that, while it’s a beautiful thing, staying together with someone for a long time is hard work and deserves to be celebrated. We reached out to my fans, friends, family and had everyone hold up signs for how long they had been together. It turned out way deeper and sweeter than I could have imagined.

Do you think that focusing on writing happy, upbeat songs helps you focus on the positive and being happy?

I think it’s probably like the phrase, “you are what you eat.” But like, “you are what you create”.  Something like that.

Catch Andy on his The Good Parts Tour in Texas November 12-14.

Cover photo Joseph Llanes