Trace Adkins: ‘I was really honored to be thought of’ for 9/11 memorial

A: I don’t worry about projecting an “image” really, and I don’t have that persona. The tour started in June, and I had nothing to do with the name “America’s Toughest”. It’s sponsored by Ford, and that’s their slogan. Of course, neither of us are worried about anybody challenging whether or not we are actually “America’s Toughest.”

Q: You were a member of the Future Farmers of America when you were in school, and still support the organization today. How do you see the organization’s current role and future goals?

A: There are lots of dedicated members of FFA all over the country. I hope it continues to be strong and vibrant and an influence on children. But my fear is that it will dwindle and fade away. Farm futures are on the way to becoming totally corporate, but there will always still be a few “mom and pop” farmers, a few holdouts.

Q: How are you feeling about being invited to sing the National Anthem at the United Flight 93 Sept. 11 memorial in Shanksville, Pa.?

A: They called us up and asked if we would be able to do it. I was really honored to be thought of, and it will be a very somber event. I’m glad to get to pay tribute to the heroes on that flight.

Q: Do you feel that musicians and singers have any social responsibility to express their political views through their work?

A: Artists are going to express themselves about what is going on in their world. That’s what they do — write and sing about things that are actually happening. If something affects them emotionally, they are going to write or sing about it. I don’t think anybody should take them seriously when they start expressing their personal views. “It’s not your area of expertise!”

Q: You recently had a song out called “Arlington,” about a dead soldier who was coming back to the U.S. to be buried there. It sort of disappeared. What happened with that?

A: We got some information about that, a few radio stations were saying that people were calling in and saying that the song made them uncomfortable and anxious. This was happening in places close to military bases. I completely understand that, and the last thing I want to do is make people feel bad. So we didn’t push it anymore.

Q: While you have released serious tunes like “Arlington” and “I’m Tryin” (about economic struggles), you have also done “novelty” songs like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Swing.” How do you determine the appropriate balance between serious songs and novelty songs?

A: I try to make albums that reflect real life, and real life is a mix of seriousness and fun times. It depends on the mood and the situation. I enjoy doing all types of songs in the studio.

As far as the response from fans and radio, the uptempo stuff seems to be more popular. When I am on tour, I lean more toward the fun, uptempo stuff. If you are not enjoying what you do as much as the audience is enjoying it, you need to find something else to do.

Q: You have been doing some TV and movie work lately, how is that different from playing music?

A: I really enjoy it. It’s challenging, and completely different from music. The tough part is finding the energy to stay alert between takes, being on “terminal pause” wears me out. Maybe live theater is closer to performing music, but I have not done any of that since high school.

Q: You finished second on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” Is reality TV really reality?

A: That was reality. From what I saw, nothing was set up by producers. Some days were fun and some days I just wanted to choke someone and go home. I can’t imagine doing anything like that again.

CONCERT PREVIEW

“America’s Toughest” tour with Toby Keith and Trace Adkins

7:30 p.m., Sept. 17

$29.75-$59.75

Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood, 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta

404-443-5000, www.livenation.com/venue/lakewood-amphitheatre-tickets/