Sitting in his tour bus, somewhere in Michigan, singer/songwriter Howie Day decided to take some time off from prepping another concert to chat with some reporters about his success, his new album and his recent tour. He is resting comfortably, coming off a high from a great show the night before in New York. Day is very much at home in his traveling apartment. He recently released his sophomore album, entitled Stop All the World Now. Though many have connected with such songs as She Says and Sorry So Sorry from his first album Australia, to name a few, Day says that he his far more pleased with this album than his first.

            Every song on Australia is a bitter song or a sad love song, but I was 18 and thats what I was feeling at the time. It doesnt reflect the real world. Ive grown since then and things have changed. The new album is very different. Its more rounded. The first album was over the top. Im much cooler and calmer and more aware of myself as an artist Day adds.

            Howie Day has been writing and performing songs for more than four years. In fact, his most popular song, She Says was written when he was only 16. He hit it big when he was 18, opening for various popular artists including, Tori Amos, Sting, Guster and Sheryl Crow. Day adds that opening with big stars such as Sting delight him and often scare him.

            Sting came up to me and wished my good luck and I said to him, Hey, whats the good news? It was very embarrassing.

            Despite those embarrassing moments, Day has been able manifest a rather strong college following, ironic since the 22 year artist never went to college. He feels that he connects with them the best, since he feels the way they do. Day has also been all over the world. He recorded his Stop All the World Now in London and has traveled internationally with Tori Amos.

            Though Howie is far more pleased with his recent album than his first, its far from perfect in his mind.

            If I had to add an album to the greatest albums ever, I wouldnt add mine. Thats something Justin Timberlake would do. Day jokingly remarks.

            Howie will be coming to concert today starting at 8 PM in the Agora Ballroom. Opening for him are artists Jump, Little Children and Charlotte Martin. The Agora Ballrom is located at 5000 Euclid Avenue, in Cleveland. Tickets for this event are $13 and can be purchased at the door or on the web at www.ticketmaster.com. Other info on Howie Day, including samples of his songs, can be found on his own site, www.howieday.com.

            Now, at the midpoint of his tour and two albums under his belt, Howie Day can finally begin to enjoy his life as a musical star. Putting his future aside, Day is focused on the now, leaving behind his youthful past. He wants to become a great artist, but he wants to remain mellow and calm all at the same time. We asked about the future of his career, all Howie could say was this:

             Man, its so daunting and spooky. I have no idea whats next.