"Things don't come easy. It doesn't matter, you know, that who I'm related to, you know, I'm out here in a van driving around."

Welcome John PayCheck:

We're joined on the Starline by a man who grew up riding buses with one of country music's biggest outlaws. He walked away from music for two decades, fighting fires, flying for the Army, raising a family, and building a completely different life. Now he's back with The Cavalry, a single called "Sons of the Spark" alongside Struggle Jennings. We welcome John PayCheck.

John, let's go Beyond the Mic.

Tell me about one of your recent adventures. A venue owner canceled a show because he thought you rolled into town like Mötley Crüe with the full band, more than he was expecting. What was your reaction?

"Sons of the Spark" brings you together with Struggle Jennings, another guy with a famous last name. Whose idea was it and what made the two of you realize this wasn't just another duet?

What was the one unusual topic brought up from that chance meeting?

You said growing up wasn't easy for either of you, and you both had your own demons. Was there a moment in that writing process where you surprised yourself with how honest you were willing to be?

The Rockin' 8:

"Sons of the Spark" is out now and John PayCheck joins us for the Rockin' 8. 8 random questions, 1st instinct, no pressure.

1. What's the last Army/Navy football game you attended?

2. What could you do at 20 that you can't do anymore, onstage or off?

3. What have your daughters taught you about your own music that you didn't expect?

4. John, favorite Texas Hold 'Em hand?

5. Best round of golf you've ever shot?

6. You went from roadie to tour manager before you ever stepped behind the microphone. What's one skill from those years that nobody would guess a singer still needs today?

7. You farmed, too. What's was your best crop growing on your land?

8. Three daughters, three college tours this summer—North Texas, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas State. Which campus surprised you by becoming somebody's favorite? Which one were you quietly hoping they'd pick?

The Back Half:

We're sneaking in a couple more with John PayCheck Beyond the Mic. You spent twenty years building a life that was music free. At what point did you realize it wasn't just a break anymore but it had become your life?

So which song of your dad’s didn’t get the love you that it should have?

As your daughters see your work the way you saw your dad’s, what do you hope they take away from this life?

Definitely, you've worn a lot of titles: soldier, firefighter, farmer, husband, father. When somebody introduces you today as "John PayCheck," which part of you do you hope they discover before they hear the last name?

How has your military service changed you?

When you’re not on stage, where do you actually feel the most like yourself?

As you fight every day making a living how has your family grounded you?

Two Big Questions:

You posted that the hits keep coming and you're still fighting. What's the one hit you haven't posted about yet and how have you overcome that problem?

You walked away from music and built a life completely outside of it. What does the fans applause mean to you now?

The Wrap:

John has an acre of lavender growing, struggles with his golf short game, and he’s on the road. "Sons of the Spark" available now. John PayCheck, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

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