Steamboat Pilot & Today

Edwin McCain used to go on tour more than 300 nights a year. Every day for him felt like Groundhog's Day.

After staying at home to be Mr. Mom for the past four months, McCain has to again hit the road.

"Leaving will be hard," McCain said. "I keep thinking of ways to smuggle him (his newborn son) on the bus."

His first stop is Steamboat Springs for The Rock Slope music festival.

His career path has changed since his 1993 debut. "It was such a different time in music. All we knew was to get in our van and go to a gig," McCain said. "We didn't have quite as much competition."

It is hard to be a new band today, because the level of musicianship is on the rise, he said. He thinks that for a period of time, the live musician was becoming the white elephant because of the techno scene.

McCain has sold more than two million albums in the U.S. and is touring to promote his seventh album. "Lost in America" was recorded in his McCain's studio, where he has total control of his work.

"After spending time in the major labels, I got overly jaded," McCain said. "They were taking something beautiful and organic and making it inorganic and plastic."

Hosting a new television show called "Music Road" has reminded him of why he got into the music industry -- because of the human, spiritual and poetic connections it evokes.

The show airs on the Turner South channel in South Carolina. McCain interviews established and emerging musicians.

McCain describes the show as an American Idol before it became famous. It is about working musicians who are in the business because they love music. "It's not sexy or flashy, it just showcases up and coming talents," McCain said.

He recently appeared on The Dr. Phil Show because his song, "I'll Be" was voted the "Best Wedding Song" by more than a million viewers.

He did not free counseling from Dr. Phil. "He didn't want to open that box of snakes," McCain said.