"I have the most settled band I've ever had in my life now," Stone smiles. "They really do a great job. I love seeing Bill improving himself. He's become a better guitar player over the year, which is great because he was awesome to begin with. All the guys are getting better. It's a killer band.

Stone's latest gigography shows dates with Uncle Kracker and Frankie Ballard, and he's just been offered the Kid Rock tour for early 2011. He's also relocating temporarily to Nashville — at the request of his management — in late January with his girlfriend, at least until his Atlantic debut, tentively titled American Style, drops in May.

Stone pauses for reflection, before concluding: "My whole next year is planned out for me. I want to be on the Grammys — maybe not next year, but the year after that. I just want to show up with my guitar and play, and freak everyone the fuck out."

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