Hometown boy: Brett Eldredge returns to 'Illinois' for Sandwich Fair, new album

In the case of Brett Eldredge, you can take the boy out of Illinois – and he'll open for Taylor Swift, win New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards, have three No. 1 singles from a debut album, and head out on a dizzying promotional tour for his aptly named sophomore album, "Illinois."

But Eldredge has found his way back to his home state for the Sandwich Fair, where he will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, the same day "Illinois" is released.

Eldredge took some time out of his busy schedule to call Daily Chronicle reporter Adam Poulisse – even as fans approached him at the Newark, New Jersey, airport – about all the exciting things, near and far, that are going on in the popular country music star's life.

Poulisse: Man, you've been busy. What's it like putting out your second album?

Eldredge: I've been touring nonstop lately, and then I get to the point where I'm also promoting my own album. It's finally here and it's been so crazy to be on the road as much I am. It's rewarding to play in your home state and it so happens to be that my new album is Illinois. Everything is lining up perfectly.

Poulisse: I've interviewed many-a-musicians in my day, and a few of them have mentioned the so-called "sophomore curse" with a second album. Is that even a thing?

Eldredge: It can be a thing, but I've been very fortunate before I released my second album, I released a song. That song I put out, "Lose My Mind," is one of my fastest-rising songs, so that pressure has taken some of the load off. It's pretty amazing to see that happen.

Poulisse: What's it like to win CMA New Artist of the Year?

Eldredge: It was the surprise of my life. I knew I was in the running because I was one of five people, but it could go so many ways. Some of us were in a really hot part of their career. I was beside myself. Definitely it was an amazing moment and something I got to share with everybody and stuck with me. It launched my career to a whole other level. It was definitely one of the best days of my life.

Poulisse: I read that your song "Raymond" is about Alzheimer's and based in part on your grandmother. And your cousin is part of the group The Grascals. How much does your family influence you and your work?

Eldredge: I never go a day without talking with my family and sharing the whole ride with them. They were with me when nobody cared. They were my first fans.

Poulisse: So you're from Paris, Illinois. I saw you recently received a key to the city and there was a day dedicated in your name. How important is it to maintain hometown pride amid superstardom?

Eldredge: It's so important. For me, it's everything, and I remember when I lived there, the only placed that mattered was Paris, Illinois. It's been a big part of who I am and a large part of why I wrote "Illinois" and named the album "Illinois." My roots are a huge part of who I am. I always knew I'd name an album "Illinois" because I'm so passionate (about my home state). You can relate to it anywhere. You can be from New York and relate to "Illinois."

Poulisse: How often do you get to visit home?

Eldredge: I get back there two or three times a year. I try to get back and go fishing in the same places and be out in the cornfields where I grew up and go out on the same waters. I try to do the same stuff when I was a kid.

Poulisse: Ever been to DeKalb County?

Eldredge: I've driven up and through DeKalb but never played at the Sandwich Fair. I think it's an absolutely perfect place for the day my album comes out. I think there's going to be a lot of Illinois shirts. I have two shirts with "Illinois" written on them. It's going to be a big day for home-state pride.