By James Dinh for iHeartRadio

Behind The Song is a reoccurring feature, where we take an in-depth look at a track and its backstory because, let’s be real, there’s nothing like getting the scoop about a record directly from the artists themselves.

Gone are his days on American Idol, but for David Cook, the season seven champion of the hit reality show, the music and his devoted fan base are still very much priorities in the rock star’s life. Nonetheless, it’s been almost a decade since he scored the win from the nation and things are quite different for the 34-year-old chart-topper. He lost his older brother, Adam, to brain cancer in 2009. He married his longtime girlfriend in 2015. Cook’s catalog has also taken a turn, with the former Idol alum getting a little gritty with his music.

Early into his summer tour, which is set to hit markets all throughout the country, the Houston-born singer/songwriter took to iHeartRadio HQ in New York City to discuss his new song, “Gimme Heartbreak,” which serves as the lead single from his as-yet-untitled new LP.

Check out the interview above +More at iHeartRadio.com