It wasn’t long ago that Archie Hubbard performed for the first time in front of a large group of people. He sang “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” at a UNA talent show, and years later he was signed by Singing River Records, the university’s student-run record label.

“[Archie] had a conversation with one of the guys on the label who mentioned he wanted to do an album,” said Entertainment Instructor Janna Malone.

The singer-songwriter was born and raised in Tuscumbia, and claims he didn’t pick up his first guitar until late in his teens.

“And I was terrible,” Hubbard laughed. “My friends used to joke that I was tone deaf when I sang.”

As a child, Hubbard was into sports, before eventually falling in love with music. He considers his genre to be Americana, which he described as a mix of blues, country and folk.

For the past 13 years he’s been a music minister, and recorded an independent album a few years ago. Hubbard made his return to recording with Singing River Records.

“We want the students to handle every decision possible,” said Dr. Bob Garfrerick, chair of the department of entertainment industry.

The label takes on one artist per year, recording an album, directing a music video and marketing the artist. Hubbard is the first to record a full-length album, and instead of the usual nine-month contract the label has used in the past, Hubbard signed for a year.

“Everyone at the label has been passionate, professional and knowledgeable,” Hubbard said.

Garfrerick said 25 to 30 musicians auditioned for the label, but Hubbard’s look, ability and passion is ultimately what set him apart from the rest.

“If someone isn’t telling me what to do, I’ll keep making music,” Hubbard said.

And at Singing River Records, that’s exactly what he’s been able to do. His new album, “The Ride,” to be released this Friday, contains 10 tracks, all of which Hubbard has either written or co-written.

“My songs tell a story. I like songs about people in desperate situations,” he said. “The good songs I write don’t come working hard at them.”

His first single, “The Ride,” he described as his most autobiographical song. “The Ride,” which is about two musicians on a journey to finding success, also has a music video, which features studio footage of him recording the track.

Hubbard said each of the songs is about something that someone can relate to. Some deal with struggling musicians, others are about love and moving on, and one song in particular, “Blood on me,” is about a soldier in Iraq.

“I want to make music for a lot of people that a lot of people love,” he said. “Music that inspires people.”

The album is set to be released Friday, Feb. 11. His music video for his first single, “The Ride,” can be viewed on YouTube.

Q & A with Archie Hubbard

Q: How is “The Ride” representative of your life as a musician?

A: There are two characters in the story. The invitation is to continue on a journey, but neither one knows where it will lead. As long as I’m a musician, I’m in one of the two characters’ shoes. Most aspiring artists don’t see much success, but the reality is for me,

it’s all I want to do. So, as the songs says at the end “Stoppin’ now is a sure dead end,”- that’s true for me too. I don’t know how things will go. I just know there is no stoppin’. I feel blessed to have a circle of friends and band mates that help me live my dreams. This song is for them.

Q: What did you think the first time you saw the completed version of the music video for “The Ride.”

A: Those were fun times. It really captures the atmosphere of the studio as we were recording. Obviously, Noiseblock is a top-notch studio, and I’m proud of the fact that we recorded there. But the friendships and bonds that were created mean more. I’m glad there will always be some footage of recording the album, because we really put our hearts into recording this project.

Q: How would you describe the songs on your album?

A: A character study of people dealing with love and loss. Each character is at a pivotal point in their lives. The decisions they make will have long-lasting impacts. The issues these people face are the ones that we all either encounter or avoid: friendship, family, dreams, work, politics, religion and faith.

Q: What has it been like to work with Singing Rivers?

A: This has been a tremendous boost to my creative career. Everyone at the label has been passionate, professional and knowledgeable. They are constantly coming up with new ideas and their commitment is inspiring.

Q: What are your expectations over the next year with the record label?

A: I hope to perform as much as possible and connect with a wide range of people.

Q: Do you find yourself completely consumed in your music lately?

A: During the recording process … yes. But now that it is done, it doesn’t feel consuming. It just feels good to share them with people. And I’m really excited about playing the material live with my band.

Q: If you could co-write and perform a song with any artist, who would it be and why?

A: Bruce Springsteen. One of the greatest songwriters of my time and his live shows are amazing. I’d have a blast and I believe I would come away with a wealth of wisdom about both songwriting and performing.

Q: How has this experience impacted your life?

A: I’ve always wanted to make music like this, but wasn’t sure if people would embrace it. I’ve performed and written more rock-oriented music in the past with mainstream subject matter. As soon as some of this new music got out, I heard great feedback. The more I play these new songs, the more it confirms I’m going in the right direction. I think people want something unique and they want to ask the tough questions. This music does.