Singer finds himself in a creative place

“We’re kicking off the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) rodeo tonight and this should be a good show,” he says during a recent interview. “It’s beginning to look like a good year.”

The 35-year-old is starting the year with a short tour, and working on a new album for a new record label. Thompson signed with Show Dog Universal in August after he left RCA Nasvhille.

	Josh Thompson With Nathan Dean & The Damn Band WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2 WHERE: Dirty Bourbon Western Dancehall and Saloon, 9800 Montgomery NE HOW MUCH: $10 at www.holdmyticket.com or 886-1251

He is currently working on a follow-up to his debut album, “Way Out Here,” which was released in 2010.

“This whole part of 2013 has been writing and in the studio recording new music,” he says. “We’re planning on getting a single to radio within a month and get the ball rolling.”

In the meantime, Thompson has kept busy writing. He recently wrote the song, “Tough Goodbye,” which appears on Gary Allan’s latest album, “Set You Free.” He’s also heading out on the road with Rodney Atkins in mid-March for the “More Hits for the Money” tour.

“It’s an exciting time that I’m having,” he says. “All of the opportunities that I’ve been getting have been an amazing thing for me.”

Thompson says for the past two months he has locked himself into a creative place.

“I’m heading into the studio to create some magic,” he says. “It’s been a full immersion for me and it’s been getting easier.”

Thompson’s last album spawned three hit singles – “Beer on the Table,” “Way Out Here” and “Won’t Be Lonely Long” – so the pressure’s on.

“I didn’t have too big of expectations coming out with the first album,” he explains. “I was comfortable with the music and felt at home with the team of people that was surrounding me. I knew that they believed in me and the success that came was a lot of hard work on all of our parts.”