Playing the Grand Ole Opry is major honor for any artist—newcomer or veteran—and newcomer Steve Moakler relished the experience in March.

“Being backstage at the Opry was the most surreal experience I’ve had since I moved to Nashville in 2006—I was so nervous,” Steve tells Nash Country Daily. “The walls are covered with pictures and quotes from all the legends who came before you. I read every single one of them and as inspiring as it was, it didn’t help at all with my nerves.”

Steve, who released his self titled EP in March 2016—which includes the lead single “Suitcase”—was invited to make his debut on the Opry that same month. As he prepared backstage before his showcase, Steve sang “Riser”—a song he co-wrote with songwriter Travis Meadows that Dierks Bentley recorded in 2015.

“One of the coolest moments backstage was singing ‘Riser’ in the same room that I had seen a video of Dierks performing it with is band a year earlier,” said Steve. “At the time I was watching the video, I never would’ve guessed that I’d be in there a year later.”

Steve has been invited back to the Opry for a second appearance on Aug. 23. “It’s a huge honor to be invited back to the Opry a second time,” Steve adds. “It’s a great lineup and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I can’t wait!”

Watch Steve backstage at the Opry performing “Riser” during The Grand Ole Opry’s Live From the Lounge.