Kenny Chesney is back with some good vibes for these uncertain times. The singer’s new album Here and Now is out today (5/1) via Warner Music Nashville. This new collection of songs follows KC’s 2018 release Songs for the Saints. Chesney and Buddy Cannon co-produced the new album featuring new classics like the title track, “We Do,” and “Tip of My Tongue” (co-written with Ed Sheeran).

Music Choice was also lucky enough to get the country superstar to answer a few questions about Here and Now via email. Chesney touched on how these tracks came together and even his favorite parts of the album. Read the convo below and tune into Music Choice’s Pop & Country all weekend long where a Here and Now album premiere takeover will be going down!

Music Choice: Some of these new songs were written on “creative retreats.” What did those entail?
Kenny Chesney: Too many songs are written by appointment, just to write a song. I wanted to get back to creative people sitting around talking about life and letting the songs emerge from that.

MC: What do you hope listeners take from these new songs?
KC: Find a place in every moment to shine your brightest light. Grab every moment and create something you’re proud of or believe in.

MC: Do you have a favorite track on the new album?
KC: Depends on the day. “Happy Does” with that girl playing for tips on a barstool in Boulder? I love everything about that moment. Like how she chooses to embrace “every crumpled pickle jar dollar.”

MC: You always close the album with a thoughtful track. What’s the thought process there?
KC: When an album’s done you want to leave people with something to capture their imagination, to drift on. “Guys Like Captain” is so Hemingway, the essence of what those guys who live on the water are made of. We all wish we could be free and heroic like that.

MC: Can you give us a little insight into why you named this record Here And Now?
KC: It’s the most impactful way to remind people: this moment matters. No matter where you are or what you’re doing you should live and love every moment of it.

MC: What was the most surprising moment or track to come out of the recording of the album?
KC: The song “Knowing You.” It’s a waltz, a classic stripped-down country song. It’s a radical departure from what’s on the radio right now. The emotion and bittersweetness in the song, you don’t hear that every day.