Robison brings a new energy to album

“We’re still getting ready a new album and (it) should be out this year,” he explains during a recent interview. “It’s been an amazing journey to get here and I think we’ve got a lot of great material.”

While Robison has been in the country music scene since 1996, he’s one of the artists who remained under the radar on mainstream country radio. But in 2003, he was chosen to judge the reality singing series, “Nashville Star,” which raised his profile.

The 48-year-old has had hits such as “My Hometown,” “I Want You Bad” and “Good Times” (which was featured in the HBO TV series “True Blood”).

But it was his song “El Cerrito Place” that caught the attention of Kenny Chesney years ago; Chesney put it on his 2012 album.

“I had a feeling he would always record the song,” Robison explains. “It took some time for him to actually get it on an album. At the same time, it got me some more exposure in the music scene.”

Robison says his upcoming album has a different tone from his 2009 record, “Beautiful Day.” The album was written during his divorce from Dixie Chick Emily Erwin.

	Charlie Robison WHEN: 10 p.m. Saturday, March 23 WHERE: Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall & Saloon, 9800 Montgomery NE HOW MUCH: $10 at www.holdmyticket.com or 886-1251

“The last album came while I was going through the divorce,” he says. “I had to write about it. I’ve since moved on and am going back to my old ways with writing. I’ve healed from the rawness and we’ve become better.”

Robison also says that he’s worked hard to make each single one that pleases the crowds. He’s been road testing the songs while he’s been on tour.

“I want to have the album out now and I’m not waiting until it comes out,” he explains. “I’m giving new music to my fans, and I’m hoping that we are going to have a good give-and-take from each show. I’m in a really great place in my life right now and having a good time. The record is going to reflect that. I don’t ever want to write another album like my last one. It was too much.”

While music is still on the forefront of Robison’s mind, he also has started a Facebook page, “Charlie Robison’s High Ballers & Hail Calls.” The page is dedicated to outdoor activities and he invites his fans to post pictures of their outings, and recipes that can be made outdoors.

“It’s a different avenue to reach out to my fans through another outlet that I enjoy,” he says. “It’s a way for all of us to share the things that we like.”