Uncle Kracker

Uncle Kracker's year is about to take a very country turn. The pop crossover singer recently learned that he will be hitting the road this fall, opening shows for Brantley Gilbert on the 'You Don't Know Her Like I Do' hitmaker's first headlining tour. The Hell on Wheels Tour is set to kick off on September 27 in Lafayette, Indiana.

Uncle Kracker was a little unsure the 'My Hometown' lyrics -- his current single -- when writing them with Shane McAnally and JT Harding. While he liked the song, he just didn't know if it fit the album he was getting ready to record.

Uncle Kracker's new song 'My Hometown' is very inclusive. The upbeat, easy-cheesy country single drops almost a dozen towns and big cities across America, but in trying to embrace everyone, Kracker connects with very few.

Uncle Kracker, who's currently on the road with Kenny Chesney on this year's Goin' Coastal Tour and readying the release of new album 'Cigarettes and One Night Stands,' is sitting in a chair at a tattoo parlor getting inked while on the phone with Taste of Country ... and he says that yes, it does hurt. The multitasking country star -- who, by the way, prefers to be called by Matt (his real name)

Uncle Kracker will hunker down in Nashville to begin recording his next record before heading out on the road with Kenny Chesney in March.