iHeartCountry: Your tour just kicked off in Milwaukee. What can you tell us about what to expect at the show this year?

Luke Combs: As much as I wish I could say something super new and exciting, it’s really just going to be more of the same. And that’s not to sound boring, but it’s just who I am. It will be me, my guitar, and my band and we’ll be playing the hits the folks want to hear, as well as some newer stuff. Nothing fancy, just the music doing the talking as usual.

iHC: What’s the best part about touring in the summer? What’s the energy like from the crowd at summer shows?

LC: There is nothing like the feeling of enjoying good music with a beer in hand on a summer night. There is something so special about the summer crowds, the energy, you can really feel it. It is at a whole other level. It's such a surreal experience that feels so unbelievable and yet also feels like home.

iHC: You’ve obviously had massive success in the last year with your music, including your cover of “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman (and a collaborative performance from the two of you at the Grammy Awards). Has that inspired any other covers you have planned for live shows? Have you been listening to any artists who have especially been inspiring to you lately?

LC: There will be a couple covers in there for sure. I have played “Brand New Man” [by Brooks & Dunn] in my set for years now as well as Ed Sheeran's song “Dive,” and they'll be sticking around this year, too. I'm excited about The Wilder Blue. I just did a song with them.

iHC: You always have a strong lineup of special guests joining you on tour. What should we know about the artists fans will see at your shows this year?

LC: That they’re all awesome. I think they each bring something different to the table for each night and it will make for a great show.

iHC: Tell me about your Tour Trucker hat idea via the Miller Lite collaboration (Combs even toured the Miller Brewery ahead of his Milwaukee tour stops). How did this idea come about? How could it potentially also act as a ticket to the show (more info here)?

LC: The Miller Lite x Luke Combs Tour Trucker is my very own Miller Lite exclusive trucker hat. I love Miller Lite hats. I have a huge collection of them and wear them all the time. So when Miller Lite came to me about creating my own, I was stoked. We made sure to add elements of my album art and Miller Lite’s design throughout. The end design is really cool. Plus, it's not only a great hat, but those [21+] who purchase the hat will automatically get the chance to win two tickets to come see me live on tour at a show of their choosing.

iHC: You’re the most-nominated artist at the ACM Awards, returning on Thursday, May 16. Where were you when you heard the news/what was that moment like?

LC: I was at home with my family and it was humbling as always. Those kind of these never get old and never truly seem real. The feeling of just knowing your peers appreciate and respect what you’re doing in Country Music is super appreciative.

iHC: When you reflect back on the last year leading to these award nominations, what are some of your proudest moments that led to this point?

LC: My son Tex turning 1, the birth of my second son, Beau, celebrating 3 years of being married to Nicole, and a World Tour. I’m a lucky man. Truly.

iHC: You, of course, are kicking off your tour, you’ve been teasing a few unreleased songs, you have Category 10 coming to Downtown Nashville... What’s coming up next for you that we should keep an eye out for?

LC: Well, I can’t really tell you that right now but y’all will know soon.

Steve & Gina in the Morning