Recently crowned Hype Award winner Andy Mineo is riding a wave of firsts and getting plenty of recognition for his second full-length album, Uncomfortable. The Reach Records artist is currently out on his first-ever headlining tour--the Uncomfortable Tour--and as he heads into the final days of the show, he answered nine questions for us about headlining, marital wisdom and keeping creative. 

You've had your first headlining tour last fall and this spring. What's been the most challenging thing about that role for you, and the most rewarding part of that?

The going out every single night consistently and doing an hour-and-a-half long set is challenging. It's a longer set than usual and gets draining. 

I have been able to do meet-and-greets with the fans on every stop. It is humbling to see supporters come out and show their love for my music. It means so much to me that they have put their heart and money down to come to these shows. I get to see people face to face and feel the connection, feel the weight and impact, and that's incredibly rewarding. 

You're coming to the end of your 27-city spring run. How do you plan to finish out strong in the last five cities (Denver/Sioux Falls/Milwaukee/Lincoln/KC)?

Honestly, the same thing we have been doing. We bring our all to every show. We're going to have fun and keep on performing an awesome show. Sioux Falls is going to be epic along with the remaining shows on this tour! We got Milwaukee, Wis. on May 6, Lincoln, Neb. on May 7 and Kansas City, Mo. on May 8. I couldn't be more excited for these shows!

What songs are people responding to most on the tour?

It'd have to be "Lay Up" and "You Can't Stop Me."

Obviously Uncomfortable is still pretty new, but you're probably already onto the next thing. Writing new music? Working with anyone? What's keeping you occupied creatively?

It's hard to create when you're on tour because it's hard to find the head space and physical space. Physical space meaning recording studios. It's busy on the road with meet-and-greets and interviews. I have, however, been able to get song ideas and work on other things that are inspiring like an 8-bit animation series. I'm working on a children's book right now and have been able to begin the illustration process.

Any music videos or other Uncomfortable projects coming in the near future?

Absolutely. Got a music video coming out in a month or two and other visuals are ready to be dropped on Instagram and the Reach Records site.

Mother's Day is this weekend. What does your mama mean to you?

I don't know if you have enough room on the page for everything I could say about my mom. She means the world to me. I grew up in single parent home and she was there for me through good and hard times. She encouraged me for dreams and creativity. She believed that I could do anything I wanted if I put my mind to it.  

In the time that you've been married, what advice would you give to people a little more newly wed than you? 

That's hard, because every single marriage is different. Every two individuals are different and unique. One thing that I could say would be to always remember that you and your spouse have never done this before. I know when there are difficulties or frustrations, I [jokingly] say, "Oh, let me reference my last marriage on how to do this. This is all new to us. Let's be patient with each other." Always try to understand each other's perspective. 

Who are you enjoying (inside and outside Christian music) right now, musically speaking? 

Jack Garratt and Sonlux right now at this moment.

What's one thing God is teaching you in this season?

You can't serve God and money at the same time. Going out on these tours involves taking financial risk, and feeling the weight on that risk by potentially losing tons of money is scary. I took a hard check to trust that God is in control. I need to keep a logical mindset. I need to trust in Him more often over me. 

Learn more about the Uncomfortable Tour now here. 

Pick up Uncomfortable on iTunes / Google Play.