What does it take to write a song?

Columbus-born singer and song writer Ricky Gunn says people ask him that question a lot and that most of the songs he writes just come from playing with his band, Crossing Levi.

“A lot of it really is, we’ll just be messing around with a chord or a phrase or anything,” he said.

Gunn was recently named Georgia’s Best New Country Male Artist Of The Year for 2011 by the Georgia Music Awards. The award was voted on by fans.

“It was pretty surreal actually,” Gunn said.

Crossing Levi with Ricky Gunn will play at Spicoli’s on Saturday. Gunn said he’s has been playing with the band for about three months and describes their country rock sound as a mix of Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean.

The band is currently finishing up an album and playing gigs in Georgia and Tennessee. Gunn said the next few shows will played in appreciation for fans of band who helped him win the award.

“Thanks again to everyone who helped,” he said.