Summertime often brings thoughts of vacations and family time, and for Brad Paisley, his childhood getaways usually seemed to involve a body of water…and not surprisingly, a little fishing. Growing up in West Virginia, Brad was within walking distance of the Ohio River and says, “My favorite memories of my dad and grandpa are fishing together on that river.” But when it came to true getaway vacations, Brad says that most every trip brought the family near some body of water — “we’re drawn to it for some reason, and summertime, it’s all about it.” (AUDIO INFO BELOW)

• Brad’s new album, American Saturday Night, is out now and has already launched two huge singles with the number-one smash, “Then,” and the hot new hit, “Welcome to the Future.” Plus, there’s much more to love on the album, including a celebration of summertime fun appropriately called “Water”!
• Look for Brad on the cover of the September issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine, on sale now! As part of the big feature, the magazine took the approach of looking behind the scenes a bit to ask Brad’s band a few questions. Longtime band member Kendal Marcy was among those offering insights, including what it was like recording Brad’s new single, “Welcome to the Future.” Kendal recalls the magic in the studio, saying, “As we ran through the song, everyone in the room knew that this song was going to be a defining moment for Brad Paisley — and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
• On a more playful note, Kendal also told Cowboys & Indians what it’s like being on tour on Brad’s bus, describing it as like “riding in Willie Wonka‘s magic elevator with Buck Owens and John Mayer alternating out of the speakers.” Watch for the issue, or check it out online at cowboysindians.com.

  Brad Paisley shares summertime memories from his childhood. (:29)
“I grew up near the Ohio River and was walking distance to it, and that’s where we went during the daytime. My favorite memories of my dad and grandpa are fishing together on that river. And, you know, every vacation was spent near some ocean probably, Myrtle Beach most of the time, and Daytona Beach, you know? And what would we be, I mean, there is, you know, we’re 90, well I think we’re like 60, actually, percent water, human beings are, and we’re drawn to it for some reason, and summertime, it’s all about it.”