Graham Colton is a singer-songwriter from Oklahoma City who is currently on tour and will be coming out with a new album in February. At 9 p.m. Wednesday, Colton will perform at the Bricktown Brewery for the Third Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Concert. Tickets are $20 and benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The Daily spoke to Colton about The Flaming Lips, man caves and keeping it simple.

The Daily: When did you start performing and recording your music?

Colton: I mean I started writing songs in high school, you know. I was a football player in high school, as most kids are in Oklahoma since it’s kind of a religion. It was basically a deal as soon as I started learning other people’s music, it came natural As soon as I picked up the guitar, I started writing songs. Thanks to Napster, I had music out before I considered myself a musician.

The Daily: At one point did you realize that you wanted to take the music into a career?

Colton: It was an organic progression but honestly, it was one of those things that the minute I realized people were finding my music on the Internet was when it turned from a hobby into a career. The biggest moment was when I got asked to go on tour with two of my favorite bands, Counting Crows and Better Than Ezra. They heard my music on the Internet and invited me out.

The Daily: How has being from Oklahoma influenced you and your music?

Colton: Actually the strange thing is, pretty soon when I started writing songs, and I guess my songs got out there, I left Oklahoma City and went to Dallas. Oklahoma wasn’t a big part in the beginning. Songs were written from Dallas. I’ve since moved back to Oklahoma, I have a house, have a dog and [am] married. There wasn’t a whole lot of musical inspiration, but there was personal inspiration, being back home and connecting. All the people and places are in my new songs.

The Daily: What influences your music and sound — musicians, artists, etc.?

Colton: Recently, really The Flaming Lips are inspiring me at the moment. I don’t sound anything like The Flaming Lips. Seeing a band and seeing Wayne Coyne and how he incorporates — the whole band is about Oklahoma. They do positive things in the community and that has inspired [me]. I don’t have to be inspired by music that sounds like my own.

The Daily: When does your latest album come out?

Colton: February, and we don’t have a title. What we’re doing right now is going around the Midwest trying new songs. I’m always playing concerts, but there hasn’t been a collection of dates for awhile.

The Daily: How has your music and albums changed over time?

Colton: I just think for me, I always try to keep it as simple as possible. I’m not a good guitar player and I keep it easy for people to remember. I try to write very literal about what’s happening. It’s definitely something … I hope the album is more mature. I’m 29 right now. I released my first album back in 2004. I’m definitely not reinventing the wheel in my music, but I like that. I hope people recognize some growth.

The Daily: What do you do when you’re not touring or in the studio?

Colton: My brother Garrett and I just opened up a men’s clothing [and] lifestyle store with new items and old items, vintage. We call it OK-LA. I’m always looking for cool products. It’s kind of a nice thing to have at home. It’s kind of man cave stuff. Shoes, bags, belts, wallets. You know, jackets. Timeless kind of products.