Tracy Byrd has always been something of a maverick. In an industry where careers are often decided in committee, Byrd has always held fast to his own creative vision and has never been afraid to take the road less traveled. That unbridled spirit again prevails on his newest release, "Different Things." Not only does Tracy continue to deliver no-holds-barred country music, he does so while embarking on a new business model that is setting the standard for artists in today's competitive music industry.

Byrd is the first country artist to partner with Artist 2 Market Distribution (A2M), the Handleman Company's independent distribution arm. A2M will sell and distribute "Different Things" to retail outlets nationwide.