DeWyze: I want to work with someone who believes in me

Last year was one of both struggle and triumph for former "American Idol" winner Lee DeWyze, a native of Mount Prospect.

He was dropped by RCA records - a deal he said, that was never a great fit. He's written a new album which was partially inspired by a Nashville trip. And he became engaged to actress Jonna Walsh.

Before his return to the suburbs to perform Saturday, March 10, at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire, DeWyze talked candidly about tough times and personal growth over the past year - and what lies in store for 2012.

Here is an edited transcript:

<b>Q.</b> You've seen a lot of changes in the last few months, including being dropped by RCA Records in October. What does that mean for your music?

<b>A.</b> It's actually been great since then. Being able to do music that I want without somebody over my shoulder. I got out of a bad situation at a good time. I'm looking forward to (being signed to) another label and putting out this album that I've worked pretty hard on.

There are great people that work over at RCA. They were good to me, but I just feel that we weren't the right fit for each other.

I'm not bitter. I'm a true believer everything happens for a reason. I'm very positive at this point. I have a good feeling it's going to be OK.

I'm really satisfied with the music I'm making right now.

<b>Q.</b> Let's talk about that album you're planning to release later this year. What can we expect?

<b>A.</b> It's a mix. You've got your folk rock, pop, and country. While there's definitely a few songs on it that can be singles, I really do want to promote it as a whole.

<b>Q.</b> What was special about the process of putting this one together?

<b>A.</b> I went to Nashville for a little while and that was cool. When I was out there, the folk rock country things really came out. It has a folky rock feel to it.

<b>Q.</b> How has your writing evolved lately?

<b>A.</b> I haven't been going to writing sessions saying I've had to write this song or this song. It's just me, It's just Lee. It's just all around.

I've also been able to work with so many great writers. I did a new song with Chris Destefano. Such a good, good vibe and a good feel. I just think that writing music with somebody, it's a personal thing. You're sharing your thoughts and dreams and views.

I take that relationship with other writers seriously. Really at the end of the day that's when the best music's coming out.

<b>Q.</b> Who's your mentor these days?

<b>A.</b> I wouldn't say there's any artist I look to advice for.

I've kind of been through the wringer from "Idol" til now. I've seen how the record industry works. Beautiful side and the very, very ugly side of it.

I've seen the best in people and the worst in people when it comes to this. My gut instinct (ultimately tells me) what I'm going to do.

<b>Q.</b> What do you mean by that "ugly side"?

<b>A.</b> I would say things aren't always what they seem ... when it comes to the music industry as a whole. It's a wonderful thing, but there's definitely a lot that goes along with it. There's definitely pressure. You can find out real quickly who's in it because they believe in you, or because they have to. The label that we've been talking to, we're moving forward. We're not there yet.

But at the end of the day I want to work with someone who believes in me.

<b>Q.</b> Have you seen your fan base shifting?

<b>A.</b> Definitely. I would say it is shifting. It's weird, I've played shows and I've seen 75-year-old women there. The age range is incredible. I've definitely seen more people in my age group lately too.

<b>Q.</b> Spill about the planning for your upcoming wedding with fiance Jonna Walsh.

<b>A.</b> We're thinking September/October. The process has been fun. I'm a creative person, she's a creative person, so it's not your typical cookie-cutter wedding planning. I know more about decoupaging than I ever have before.

<b>Q.</b> Will music be a big part of that day?

<b>A.</b> Definitely plan on doing something, I'm not sure what yet.

<b>Q.</b> Excited to come home to perform in the suburbs?

<b>A.</b> I have been home a little bit - at Thanksgiving for a couple days.

I sang at the Bulls game and I played at the Hard Rock. But yeah, I'm excited for this. It's always great to come back to my fans here.

Lee DeWyze

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 10

Where: Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire

Tickets: Starting at $20, viper-alley.com