Country star finds balance in life, music

JM: I guess I don’t really look at it that way. I more look at it that I get to do this for a living. And I’m very grateful for that.

ES: How do you think the music business has changed over the years?

JM: It’s fascinating. I’m about to post a song online that I wrote two weeks ago. So it’s two weeks from creation to getting it out to the people. And it’s awesome to be able to do that.

ES: So, do you think that it is in some ways easier to be a musician these days than when you first started out?

JM: It’s easier to make a life as a musician, I think, because your stuff gets out there. My cousin is 19 years old and a musician, and he does YouTube videos every week.

So, the new generation is all about the Internet. They get to live their dreams, and they don’t have to sell their soul to a record label. They don’t have to sign away everything.

ES: You’re also involved in several charitable organizations, including your own A Million Doors campaign. Is that important for you to be involved in different charities?

JM: It is. It’s just helping out and making a difference. Everyone can do it. If you give of your time and efforts, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

And I think that’s why we’re here, to help each other out, not to beat each other up.

ES: You’ve also appeared on Bravo’s TV show, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” working with cast member Kandi Burruss. Do you think that’s given a boost to your career?

JM: I don’t know. I did that show because I was a huge fan of Kandi and her writing. 

She is a phenomenal singer. That was such a great experience to be able to spend time with her.

ES: I understand that you are working on some new songs. What should people expect from your next album?

JM: A lot of fun music. We do a few of the new songs in the live show now, and the response is incredible. They get an almost bigger response than the hits do.