You may have noticed that Eric Church has been sporting a lengthier beard than normal, perhaps at last month’s ACM Awards where he picked up the Album of the Year award for Chief. There’s a good reason behind that particular look – he’s working on the follow-up to his award-winning album. The North Carolina native says when he trims the beard, then he’s got the songs for his next collection.

It is an ongoing progression for Eric, who’s been taking time to write for the forthcoming project. “It’s a process for me, so when people ask where we’re at, I don’t know. I don’t have like a definitive, ‘Here’s where we are,’” says Eric. “I can tell you that we’ve started the process, and then we’ll go on to the next step in the process. There’s like 20 steps to get the record done.”

Eric is currently sitting inside the Top 10 with his current hit, “Like Jesus Does,” and he’s set to rejoin Kenny Chesney on the No Shoes Nation Tour May 11th in Dallas, Texas.

BTW–It’s Eric’s Birthday today (Friday)–wishing him a very Happy Birthday!!!!!

AUDIO: Eric Church gives an update on his next album, the follow-up to the platinum-selling Chief.

Eric Church (next album process 2013) OC: …end up with. :23
“We started the process, as evidenced by the beard. But it’s a process for me, so when people ask where we’re at, I don’t know. I don’t have like a definitive, ‘Here’s where we are.’ I can tell you that we’ve started the process, and then we’ll go on to the next step in the process. There’s like 20 steps to get the record done. I’m excited creatively to see where we can go from here, and see what we end up with.”