I got the chance to sit down with Chad Wolf of Carolina Liar, and I don’t think it’s possible for this guy to have a boring tour story. Chad, along with band mates Rickard and Johan, have seen it all: from hoopties to out of control Midwest parties, the famous Hollywood Bowl, and of course, an amazing city called San Diego.

You know an interview is getting off on the right foot when someone starts quoting Anchorman, and that’s exactly what happened when I asked Chad the very first question. He had nothing but glowing reviews for San Diego and the Griffin (Oh Mr. Wolf, flattery will get you everywhere and SD loves her compliments), and he reminisced about some of the most exciting moments that the band has had in other cities. Another notable tour stop on his list? Apparently, the Midwest. Chad noted that despite seeming like it should be a calm atmosphere, going to Kansas City is like “going to Vegas in the middle of the Midwest.” The lead singer told a hilarious story about one bar in particular:

“People just get crazy! The first time we played in Kansas City, we ended up in a bar … and it just turned into this full on free for all of just people and just madness. I remember reaching down to tap the waitress who was helping us out that night and she just grabs my face and starts making out with me. People were spraying water all over, it was turning into a wet t-shirt contest … and we were all just kind of looking at each other like ‘What is going on in this place?’ And Kansas from that point on has always been absolutely just crazy. One of our favorite places to play of course.”

The guys of Carolina Liar have even more miles on their agenda this year, including opening for Kelly Clarkson and the Fray. The band had just played at the Hollywood Bowl the previous night, and lead singer Chad was still glowing from the iconic experience. “The energy when you walk out [on stage], you just get the goosebumps,” he said about the famous landmark, which has welcomed artists like the Beatles and Aretha Franklin. “As you’re walking closer and closer to the front of the stage, you just feel the chills from the whole thing. It was amazing.”

The band is having a lot of fun playing songs from their latest album, Wild Blessed Freedom, (and of course sprinkling in tunes from their first album), and talking with Chad made me realize how much of an uphill battle it’s been for the group. Knowing the hard work and dedication that goes behind music can really add an appreciation to it, and that’s no exception for Carolina Liar. The group split amicably with Atlantic Records and decided to release their second album on their own label, and Chad mentioned it’s been a learning experience. “The difference between working for a major [label] and then working for yourself is the amount of time…things take.” But the group is pulling through it, and Chad stated that almost a year later, “now, this record is starting to get it’s own little motor behind it. It’s a wild ride.”

The album, which definitely touches on everything from power pop ballads to punchy, lyrical rhythms, has a mainstream sound that temporarily painted a very One Tree Hill-ish atmosphere inside the Griffin, which is actually a lot cooler than it sounds on paper. And each song, as the lead singer stated, has “it’s own little story.” Most of the songs seem to be a product of pure inspiration, teamwork, and….Thin Lizzy. “[Rick] and I were listening to Thin Lizzy like crazy at the time. No matter when or where we were at, it was all Thin Lizzy, all day long.” Take all of that into consideration, and you get this well-oiled ready to rock machine with songs that are both honest and ready for the radio.

If you want to hear even more about Chad and the rest of Carolina Liar’s experiences in San Diego, check out the video above! And if you’re not in San Diego, don’t miss these guys during one of their tour stops with Kelly Clarkson and the Fray.