Sure, the band had been a country powerhouse, thanks to a string of hits that included “Amazed,” “What About Now” and “I’m Already There.” But its popularity had plummeted with album “Coming Home” failing to go gold in 2005, and follow-up “Mountains” selling a dismal 89,000 copies, according to country video channel CMT.

Then came the one-two punch of label BNA not renewing the band’s contract and singer Richie McDonald going solo in 2007.

But the resilient quartet has bounced back with new singer Cody Collins and a new single, “Let Me Love You.”

The comeback trail winds through the Emerald Queen Casino tonight, so we caught up with drummer Keech Rainwater to get the skinny on what’s been going on behind the scenes.

I wanted to ask you about a Michael Britt quote. He was being asked about Richie and he said, “I don’t see how Lonestar could have kept going the way it was going.”

We were just kind of locked into that context (with songs) about family and kids and all that stuff. So we were wantin’ to stretch out a little bit lyrically from that point. And I think Richie just wanted to keep going in the direction he wanted go in. … And when you’re in a band like that it’s tough.

Was there any point where any of you considered hanging it up?

When we talked about it, (Richie) said, “Well, we’ve had a good run. We’ve done a lot of good things. Maybe now’s our time to bow out” or something like that. And he was the only person that felt that way in the band.

We just figured we’d done it before. … John Rich (of Big & Rich) left the band in ’98, ’99, and we continued on. And now it’s just another chapter.

How would you compare Cody’s style to Richie? Are there big differences, or are there ways that they’re similar?

I don’t really think they’re similar in any way except they’re both really talented. … Cody is probably a little more soulful, I think, and sings from a younger experience than Richie did. …

One thing I’m really proud of Cody for doin’ (is) not trying to sound like Richie; just really keepin’ to himself and keepin’ his own sound. And it’s really blended really well with what the rest of us are doin’. … It’s almost like when Sammy Hagar joined Van Halen, you know. It just seemed to fit.

You said you have a new direction you’re going in for the next album.

(New material is) maybe reminiscent of the “Lonely Grill” album; just singing about relationships and love.

I think we’re only gonna put out six (songs) on this particular EP that we’re gonna put out in September. It’s gonna be called “The Future.” … Instead of doing, say, an 11-song album once every year and a half to two years, we’re gonna try to put out, like, a six-song EP every six to eight months so the material is more current.

Have you signed with a label at this point?

Yeah, actually we started our own label, which we’d really had all along. Before we got our deal with BNA, we had a little label called Lonestar Records. … Being sort of told for so many years what to do and how to do it, now we’ve learned and we’ve wizened up. And now we’re the label.

Are you inspired by some of the artists in different genres, like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails?

I think so. We kind of go off of their model, I think. … We’re also learnin’ some things from other artists. Like I know Prince just had a thing where he had given out a bunch of CDs. I can’t remember where it was. He had given out a bunch of CDs in the Sunday paper, and was able to sell out seven shows in a row with record attendances. And he just proved that if you give a little bit of somethin’ away, then you’re gonna get it back in the end tenfold.

Ernest A. Jasmin: 253-274-7389

What: Lonestar in concert

When: 8:30 p.m. today

Where: Emerald Queen Casino, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma

Tickets: $30 to $55

Information: 253-594-7777, 1-888-831-7655, www.emeraldqueen.com