Lonestar drummer finds balance

He may have a penchant for "fast toys," but Lonestar drummer Keech Rainwater also knows the value of a nice, quiet fishing break.

Ask the Plano, Texas native how he copes with life within the whirlwind of country music success and he's got two words for you: fishing and family.

"There is something to be said for just getting away and doing a bit of one on one with nature. I think that the busier my career is, the more I try to seek out those little reality checks, like spending all day with family on the water or just hanging out."

It's obvious that even though their hits have become some of the most popular love songs of all time, Lonestar is about more than woo worthy lyrics and gently plucking guitar and heartstrings.

For the quintet, which includes Richie McDonald (singer/guitarist), Micheal Britt (guitar), Dean Sams (keyboards) and Rainwater, being stars takes a backseat to being ordinary people who just happen to have cool jobs.

"This business should not be about a lot of things that people assume it is," Rainwater attests.

"We have every opportunity in what we do to change people’s lives and make things better for people out there who aren’t as fortunate and that’s exactly what we try to do. It isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it."

The hardest thing about being a country music star? Touring.

All of the guys insist they are much more genuinely into family than a whole room full of schmoozing presidential candidates, even as the road has become more and more a second home to Lonestar.

After a decade of experience in the limelight, they've found that precious balance between living life as a country music star and simply living life. By the time 1995’s self-titled debut was on record shelves, the hard working musicians already had an average of 500 shows or more under their respective belts. When "Tequila Talkin’" became their first official smash, followed by Top New Vocal Group honors from the Academy of Country Music, the Texas natives (hence the group’s name) knew that it would take more than melodic ditties and tight musicianship to stay on top. It would take more time on the road.

"It’s so hard being apart from our families, but they understand that this is what we do," the drummer notes.

"They are there for us on the road, when we have this on the radio or that award show to go to, but they are also, more importantly, there for us behind the scenes. After the crowds clear out and the lights go down, who we are is really about who our families allow us to be."

It’s not hard to imagine such down-home values are behind some of Lonestar’s greatest hits - including "From My Front Porch Looking In" and "Let Them Be Little," inspired by a note singer Richie McDonald’s son once brought home. They take pride in proving that not all the best stories are already spun and all the best songs are not already sung.

Originally a quintet, the group narrowed to four in its early years and has never regretted it.

Since the triple platinum release "Lonely Grill" spawned the enduring crossover hit "Amazed," the band’s performance dance card has been overfilled. When "I’m Already There" hit the airwaves in 2002, it touched a part of America deeply impacted by hordes of soldiers being called to military action overseas, as their families sat home and awaited their safe return.

"You can’t imagine the impact that those stories have on us," Rainwater says quietly.

"That’s exactly why go out there and do what we do. We hear of people who are praying every night or just sitting in their cars in traffic when they think of their husband or daughter or cousin overseas and they hear that song and just start crying. Music should do that. It should move you; it should shake you and shape who you are inside. To be able to change someone’s life is a remarkable gift that no one should ever take for granted."