Being funny, charming and talented is not an easy task to accomplish—unless you’re Dave Barnes.

A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose influences include Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby and John Mayer, Barnes employs an unmatchable wit when speaking of life, love and his new album, “Golden Days.”

Barnes, a preacher’s son who graduated from Farragut High School, began writing songs at MTSU in the early 2000s.

With his heartfelt lyrics, relaxed melodies and easy stage presence, Barnes quickly became popular on his campus and has since gained a loyal following among college co-eds across the country.

“Because I started writing in college, I think it was just natural for people at that age to say ‘Hey, I feel that way too,'” Barnes said. “I feel very fortunate that my music is still relevant to them.”

Zachary Tabler, a school age program counselor, said that Barnes’ music sets a good example for students.

“He writes music that the younger crowd can connect with,” Tabler said.

From humble beginnings, Barnes has since released eight critically acclaimed albums. He was also been nominated for a Grammy for Country Song of the Year when his song “God Gave Me You” landed Blake Shelton a number one hit on the country charts in 2012.

“Dave has a real genius in regards of his musicality, ” Seth Philpott, an associate manager on Barnes’ management team, said. “He’s an incredible songwriter and his musicianship truly shows a natural talent.”

Barnes said each of his albums chronicles a different point in his life and career. His new album, “Golden Days,” is a testament to his life as a husband and new father.

“There is a lot of maturity in this album,” Barnes said. “For example, I couldn’t have written the album’s single, ‘Good,’ before having kids and getting married.”

Barnes said he is constantly seeking ways to improve his songwriting and lyricism in order to produce a more distilled product with each new album or EP release.

Earlier this year, Barnes split amicably with his record label, Razor & Tie, and is now shifting his focus to songwriting and spending time with his young family.

“It’s really exciting to be back at the steering wheel,” Barnes said. “It’s nice to call the shots again.”

With no plans to leave the music business, Barnes is now writing songs for other artists in Nashville and planning to release a few EP’s by next year.

“All these new chapters are happening for me that couldn’t happen when I was touring all the time,” Barnes said. “It’s all fun, exciting stuff. I’m just a little more firmly rooted than I was before.”

Also, as many of his Facebook or Twitter followers know, Barnes is a talented comedian in addition to being a musician. Barnes often posts humorous homemade videos and pictures on social media and has even dabbled in stand-up comedy in Nashville.

“Comedy exercises a different part of your brain,” Barnes said. “It’s similar to songwriting but uses different muscles.”

“Dave is the funniest human I know,” Philpott said.

Barnes is looking forward to one day reviving his comedic career and is currently gathering material to put in a show.

“It’s all gotta come out somehow,” Barnes said.

Knoxville fans had the opportunity to enjoy some of Barnes’ comedy along with his music in an acoustic show at The Square Room on July 24. The concert was part of The Square Room’s songwriter series and featured Barnes on guitar accompanied only by a piano player.

“Knoxville is one of my top three places to play,” Barnes said. “I always love coming home.”

For more information on Barnes and his upcoming concert dates, visit www.davebarnes.com.