After his performance at Maxwell's Thursday night, Oklahoma singer-songwriter Graham Colton filled Hoboken Patch in on his upcoming album, songwriting process and the role the Internet has played in his career. (Click at right to hear him in a video by Wendy Hu).

While his full-length album is still in the works, Colton recently released five EPs for fans, giving them an inside look into the recording process. "I have a lot of songs that happen that never see the light of day," Colton said. "Over the course of making an album, there are a lot of songs left over. It's a nice way to keep the hardcore fans activated and its fun for me to have B-sides and live tracks and songs that don't have to be polished; they can just be what they are."

As far as the album, Colton says it's one he looks forward to performing on the road. "I'm 28 right now so it's certainly an album I think I can really grow with. It's an album I can't wait to play live. It has a very real, honest live quality to it."

Having co-written with numerous bands and friends in the music industry including Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, Colton said that—for the most part—co-writing has been a natural and easy process. "It stretches you. It makes you try things that you wouldn't normally try. I have my tendencies when I'm playing chords. I like to do things that are comfortable. Sometimes the best moments are when you do things that are a little more unexpected and vulnerable."

Fans can expect to hear familiar songs already showcased on Colton's EPs, for many of which he's the sole songwriter. "There are a lot of songs on this new album that are 100% me. When it's right, it feels really good to be 100% honest and only me."

When demoing tracks for his upcoming release, Colton said he liked the tracks so much that he put them out. "I offered it to my fans, printed up 1,000 copies and it reacted really well. The EP was an in-between thing and it has become something I'm really proud of. A lot of these songs you're going to hear again, really done up with a full band."

The positive response from fans prompted his current acoustic tour where he has been showcasing many of the singles on each EP as well as older favorites such as "Cellophane Girl," "Best Days" and "Cigarette."

While he's toured with the likes of Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, Dave Matthews Band and Kelly Clarkson, Colton admits he owes a lot to the Internet. He recorded his first song, "Cellophane Girl" in high school and paid someone $50 to record it in the studio.

"I made five copies of 'Cellophane Girl' for my friends. Next thing I know it's on Napster and now, 10 years later, I'm still playing it. I wouldn't have people singing the lyrics back to me if it wasn't on the Internet."

With songs showcased on "American Idol," "Castle" and "Life Unexpected" and his upcoming album closer to release, fans can plan on hearing much more from Graham Colton. As far as Colton's outlook, it has always been about having fun, being himself and playing music. "I feel like I'm in a position now where I've finally figured out who I am. It's exciting."

Click at right for his video interview with Patch or for more on Graham Colton, visit his Web site.