Jennifer Webb: How long did you work in advertising before you left to pursue your dream to make it as a country artist?

Daniel Lee Martin: I worked in marketing & advertising for 10 years. Originally, I was set to pursue a career in baseball. But, after high school, I was feeling a bit burned out so I decided to try something a little different for a while, which led to a career in advertising.

Jennifer Webb: You have opened shows for many big name stars, which one was your favorite?

Daniel Lee Martin: I would have to say Vince Gill. Vince is one of my heroes & to see my name on the same bill was the thrill of a lifetime. He was also an influence in helping me finish one of my favorite songs on the album, "A Guitar With No Strings."

Jennifer Webb: Is there a routine you follow before every show? If so, what is it?

Daniel Lee Martin: Prayer. The Lord has blessed me with the wonderful gift of music and I make it a point to thank Him each time I play. My after show routine is to meet each and every fan no matter how long it takes. That's the biggest thrill of what I do, to get the chance to meet them face to face.

Jennifer Webb: On your album, All That I Am, you have many songs written or co-written by Keith Urban. What do you like most about his songs?

Daniel Lee Martin: Musically, Keith's songs fit my style. It's one thing to have a story that I can relate to. Keith's stuff has both the music and the story line that touch me.

Jennifer Webb: What is your favorite song from All That I Am?

Daniel Lee Martin: I have two favorites on the album. There's no way for me to pick just one. "A Guitar With No Strings" (written for my dad) and "Until You," I wrote for my wife, Kristina.

Jennifer Webb: How do you approach writing your songs? Do they just come to you or do you sit down and think about something you want to sing about?

Daniel Lee Martin: I have to be touched emotionally to write my music, I think of ideas all day long that never make it past the idea stage, only because I'm not moved by it. I like to write songs that are a genuine reflection of my life in one way or another.

Jennifer Webb: How many songs do you think you have written in your lifetime?

Daniel Lee Martin: I would have to say I have written about 100 songs.

Jennifer Webb: If you can remember, what is the title of the first song you ever wrote?

Daniel Lee Martin: "Till the End of Time."

Jennifer Webb: If given the chance to sing a song with anyone living or dead, who would you choose and why?

Daniel Lee Martin: I would have like to have performed with John Denver.

Jennifer Webb: Who would you like to meet, that you haven't had the chance to yet?

Daniel Lee Martin: President Bush (non-musically) and if I could turn back time, I would have like to have met John Denver.

Jennifer Webb: When not on the road, what do you do to relax and unwind?

Daniel Lee Martin: I like to spend time with my wife, Kristina and our black lab, Capo. I still love to be creative from a marketing standpoint, I still draw when I have time. I'm a computer fanatic--love to surf the Net.

Jennifer Webb: What CDs have you been listening to lately?

Daniel Lee Martin: Brad Paisley, Train, Molly Hatchet, Aerosmith, Boston, Journey. I go through my fazes, and right now it's a rockin', upbeat faze.

Jennifer Webb: How long have you been playing the guitar?

Daniel Lee Martin: Since I can remember, 7 or 8 years old.

Jennifer Webb: Do you play any other instruments?

Daniel Lee Martin: I play a little bit of keys and drums. (Not enough to be dangerous.)

Jennifer Webb: What would you like to accomplish with your career that you haven't already?

Daniel Lee Martin: I would love to make it to the Grand Ole Opry. That's been a life long dream of mine.

Jennifer Webb: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans reading this interview?

Daniel Lee Martin: I have a hard time with the word "fan." I've always thought that if someone out there is kind enough to purchase my album or pay to hear me sing, they're more than a fan, they're a friend. To everyone we have met over the past seven years; at Fan Fair, at the concerts and through e-mail, thanks for making me feel like I belong. You were and are the reason I didn't give up on my dream. If it weren't for your belief in me, I wouldn't be where I am today. To all our future and existing fans/friends, I make you this promise, I will never forget where I came from and how hard I've worked to get to this point in my career. In an industry where it's easy for an artist to lose sight of his/her priorities, there is one priority that will never change for me and that is the fans/friends. Fan Fair is easily my favorite major event each year because of the personal interaction that I'm able to experience with our friends.