Grammy nominee Hayes quickly climbs charts

His single, “Wanted,” cemented him as a mainstream crossover.

“I was never expecting it,” he says during a recent phone interview. “I’m pretty sure that these are not things that you strategize, and this is all stuff that I dream about and it still amazes me that the industry has welcomed me with open arms. It gives me a sense of belonging.”

Hayes has shared the stage with country heavy hitters Taylor Swift, Joe Walsh, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum. He is currently opening for Carrie Underwood on her “Blown Away” tour.

Hayes says the tour has been going really well, and he’s added new material to his set.

“We had a month off of tour and I was in the studio during that time,” he says. “It was a good time to be back in the studio and getting some new music ready.”

As the sold-out tour continues its trek across the country, Hayes admits that he’s been working on keeping his nerves at bay. But once he’s out on stage, all of the feelings go away.

“Whoever says they aren’t nervous are either boldly lying or they are not connected,” he says. “Some of us don’t want to admit that, and I’ve had that moment of being utterly scared.”

Hayes does manage to take some of the nervousness and channel it into positive energy.

“Honestly, you get out and play,” he explains. “We’ve got a great team and they help me out so that when I get on stage, there is a sense of comfort. I jump and run around on stage to try and put on the best set that I can.”

Hayes is now supporting the third single, “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” from his debut album. The single is currently a top 10 hit on the country singles charts.

Hayes says he expects another single to be released from his current album and wants to carry the momentum forward.

“I’m starting to feel the pressure because of the success,” he says. “The first record is the introduction and people got to know me. Now I have to concentrate on writing. My biggest thing is not to rush anything.”