NM 'vibe' brings Uncle Kracker to Clovis

Fans know him as Uncle Kracker. His real name is Matt Shafer and he said he's excited to be a part of the Clovis Music Festival this week.

Uncle Kracker, a singer-songwriter and rapper, is the opening act for the Eli Young Band on Friday night at the Curry County Events Center. Shafer takes the stage at 8 p.m. followed by the headliner at 9:30. Gates open at 6:30.

Shafer, 48, said he scored his first record deal when he was 15. He's been closely associated with Kid Rock since the 1990s, performing with Rock's band Twisted Brown Trucker. Shafer released his first solo album, "Double Wide," in 2000.

Shafer described some of his biggest musical influences: "A lot of early AM '70s stuff," he said. "Anywhere from James Taylor to (hip-hoppers) EPMD, I guess you could say."

Shafer said he's only been to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but anytime New Mexico is involved, he said he's in.

"I've always liked New Mexico. It's kind of got a vibe about it," Shafer said.

"I'm just happy to be a part of any festival that involves music."

Shafer said his set list changes from night to night, but he said Clovis concertgoers can expect to hear some of his most popular songs, including "Follow Me."

"It depends on me and how I feel, too, but most of the time, it depends on the audience," Shafer said.

Shafer's "Follow Me" and "Drift Away" have both made the Billboard Hot 100.

The Uncle Kracker website shows a busy summer ahead for Shafer. He is scheduled to perform in Georgetown, Texas, on Saturday after leaving Clovis. Other upcoming tour stops include Nashville, Fort Worth and Canada.

Shafer said his musical mindset is always about "just having fun."

"It's the train that I'm forever on," according to unclekracker.com .