It was 1:30 PM and Chris Daughtry had already performed on Good Morning America and did a pre-recording for another network. With a new album that also dropped today, it's safe to say that Chris Daughtry is pretty busy these days...and happy...very, very happy. He and his band, aptly named "Daughtry", are extremely proud of the work that they've done on their self-titled debut CD. Chris found the work particularly rewarding, having written three songs by himself. He co-wrote all but one song. Reluctant to take all the credit, however, Chris makes sure to mention all the blood, sweat and tears that went into the CD on the part of his band. Not only did they want to write and perform "catchy tunes", but they were also looking for songs that had a good "radio hook", and he definitely feels like they've succeeded with this album.

Being a loyal guy, Chris made sure to give his original band members the chance to audition for this new band. Unfortunately, the label and the management didn't feel that they were ready for the undertaking, but Chris is confident that his old buddies will be completely successful on their own. The band is now made up of some seasoned veterans of the business, including his bass player, Josh Paul. Josh, or "JP" as he's known, has spent time with the band Suicidal Tendencies as well as Everlast. Chris says that he's known his drummer, Joey Barnes, for years from playing in the same circuits. In the end, Chris says, they were really looking for people that could capture the feel of the album while also portraying a certain level of "coolness and stage presence." As he said, "I didn't want it to be about me."

Chris loves the fact that he's getting back to his roots and playing in more intimate venues. While he got a huge rush from the crowds and the noise level while on the American Idol tour, his band has recently played at some smaller venues, and that's what he really loves. That's not to say that he didn't have an absolute blast while on tour. Performing the song "Patience" with the other guys was his favorite part. As he put it, "It was just like us hanging out, but we were on stage." He compared it to playing his guitar on a tour bus and what a fun experience that is.

Putting the album together has been taxing on his family, but he says that they are "doing great." He says it was a bummer to be away for so long but that it's become what's expected-it's not as much of a shock as it was when this all began. He's now able to spend a few weeks at home and then a few weeks on the road, so he calls his life right now a bit more "balanced." Forutunately, he was able to spend three weeks with his family at his new home and will even be home for the holidays. He'd like to get to a point where he can incorporate his family more into his traveling routine but, for now, he's just enjoying the ride.

His time on "American Idol" taught Chris a lot about how take criticism. It taught him to "be tough and not break", which certainly has to be challenging when considering the likes of Simon Cowell. He also says that he took away the ability to just go out there and be himself. As far as what the future holds, he says that he's doing exactly what he wants. He's been in bands his whole life and is drawn to being in bands. However, the idea of a solo career at some point is not out of the question. "Who knows what the future holds?" For now, he says, he's just thankful for the "strong sound behind me."

You'll be able to catch that strong sound on tour, come February of '07, although the details are yet released. In the meantime, you can listen to the single, "It's Not Over", on our alumni music page.