Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH -- Known for being the frontman for the rock group Staind, Aaron Lewis is coming to Wild Bill's on Saturday to perform a show from his newest endeavor: country music.

"It's not quite the 180 that everyone views it as," he said about the transformation. "I wrote 'Outside,' 'It's Been Awhile' ... while sitting on my couch with my acoustic guitar. I did the same thing for this album ('The Road'). Instead of coloring them heavier for Staind, I took them to Nashville and colored them country."

To record the upcoming album, Lewis would fly to Nashville in between shows while on tour with Staind, worked in the studio for hours, then fly back in the same day.

"That's why the album got the name," he said. "It had to do with traveling, being away from home and being on the road."

Even with his new sound, Lewis believes that his fans -- new and old -- will enjoy the music.

"I'd like to think the majority of them are digging it," he said. "There are plenty (of fans) who weren't part of the Staind crowd who are digging it, too. So I really can't complain."

Staind fans who aren't sure about the country music shouldn't fret. Lewis won't come out on stage with cowboy boots, a 10-gallon hat and a shiny Dixie belt buckle. He just wants to play music, not change his persona.

"I've never changed who I was, even with Staind," he said. "What you see is what you get."

Even though he's flying solo for this show, Lewis is excited to be back at Wild Bill's.

"Last time I was there, I don't think you could squeeze another body in the place," he said. "I'm so looking forward to this show. Playing there is one of my favorite memories. On Saturday, I have a full country band and it's going to be an evening of country."

Doors open at 7:30 p.m.