He asked supporters to chip in $1,200 through Kickstarter, a website in which people ask for money to fund projects.

Roe, 23, a Green Hope High School graduate, got what he asked for and then some – $2,500. He used the money to make his latest album, “First.”

On Feb. 25, Roe will host a CD release party at Rudino’s Grill in Cary.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a musician?

I picked up the guitar when I was 11 years old and got bored with it, just sitting in my room.

But I took guitar lessons for six months from a teacher in Columbia, S.C. We worked on basic chords, fun songs, music theory and guitar “tabs.” I loved learning from the guy; he made it fun.

Of course, when I was young, I wanted to learn crazy guitar solos. We would jam together.

Back then, the Goo Goo Dolls were my favorite band. John Mayer was also a big influence.

Q: Did you play in a band when you were growing up?

When I was a freshman in high school, I started a band with four other guys. It was called 5 Til.

It was the most fun I ever had. We practiced and performed in each other’s garages. By junior year, we were playing at area restaurants and a few times at the Cary Senior Center.

When we graduated, we went our separate ways, but the group really inspired me to be a songwriter.

Q: Did you study music when you attended UNC-Charlotte?

No, I studied business. I knew about music theory. But I knew I would have to learn more about business if I wanted to make it.

While I was in Charlotte, I played solo acts every Thursday at The Pub at Gateway, and I was in the fraternity Kappa Sigma; I played a rush event every semester.

Q: How would you describe your style, and how has it evolved?

I released a home-produced album four years ago, and it was pretty poppy. I got bored with performing some of the songs.

I found that country was a fun genre to play at shows. You are telling stories, and the subject matter holds my interest. I don’t sing about growing up on a farm. … I guess I would describe “First” as “folk.”

Q: There seems to be a resurgence of folk music in the mainstream music scene. Did that influence you?

There is a folk resurgence. My friends turned me on to the Avett Brothers (from Concord). I felt like I wanted to get into that style.

As far as the theme of “First,” I wrote the songs in the span of a year and a half. I was all over the map emotionally.

The track “First” tells about how saying “I love you” is easy, but it’s hard to be the one to say it first. People can wind up getting hurt.

Q: How did you decide to use Kickstarter?

I had heard of Kickstarter a couple of years ago. Once I had enough songs (eight), I put my request up.

About 50 people – friends, family, friends of family – donated. I thought $1,200 was really reaching … but when that amount doubled, I was blown away.

The money covered recording the album at Schaefer Sound Productions, session musicians, the manufacturing of the CD, graphic artists for the CD cover and distribution through CDBaby.com.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

For these next couple of months, I’ll be in the Triangle. In the summer, a friend and I will go on a mini-tour – a road trip to Texas.

After that, I’d love to find a live band; it’s a lot more fun to share the experience.

I’m going to keep on playing music, keep writing, keep going down the road that’s placed before me. I’m happy playing music for a living.