Josh Rouse spent part of his childhood living in the Midwest, and the American folk-pop singer-songwriter returns to the area for a gig on Friday, May 28 at Turner Hall Ballroom.

The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15.

In 1998, Rouse released his first album, "Dressed Up Like Nebraska," and since then, released 14 full-length CDs and EPs, including "El Turisto" in mid-February.

Rouse moved to Spain six years ago to pursue a relationship with singer Paz Suay. The two released a duet EP "She's Spanish, I'm American," in 2007. Today, Rouse lives in Valencia and has a son.

The Spanish language and culture agrees with Rouse and continues to influence his music. Recently, OnMilwaukee.com spoke to Rouse about his life, his family and his music.

OnMilwaukee.com: Are you looking forward to going back on tour?

Josh Rouse: I have a 1-year-old, so I don't tour the States too much anymore. I tour mostly in Europe because I like to stay closer to home these days.

OMC: How is fatherhood treating you?

JR: It's great. Absolutely great. My boy, Oliver, just started walking a few weeks ago.

OMC: Are you teaching him both Spanish and English?

JR: I speak to him in English, and my wife speaks to him in Spanish. Sometimes we get them mixed up.

OMC: What are your plans for the near future?

JR: I have a studio here in Valencia, and I plan to do some soundtrack work. I'll also continue touring. When I was younger, and more ambitious, I would have had the next record written by now, but these days, I like to hang around here and enjoy the weather.

OnMilwaukee.com: How has living in Spain affected your music?

JR: It all happened so naturally that it's hard for me to answer this. There is a different routine here, it's a lot slower, and it inspires me to make music for myself. I mean, I always made music for myself, but now, even more so.

My records are my tastes. Because of this, my fan base has slimmed down, but I think that's OK. I'm losing some fans, but new people are coming aboard all the time. Fans from over here. I have more of an attention span, I think, living over here.

OMC: So do you take a daily siesta in Spain?

JR: Definitely. Naps are a part of the culture. Europe is not as media driven, there's not quite as much info coming at people here, it makes it easier to just enjoy the weather and your family.