CTPOST.com - Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Scott Stapp burst onto the rock scene with his trademark long hair and wailing vocals as the frontman for Creed.

The Grammy-winning band spawned hits such as "Higher," "My Sacrifice" and "With Arms Wide Open." A multiplatinum-selling group, Creed dominated rock radio.

The locks are gone, and while the vocals remain, the singer is taking a walk on the more subtle side.

Stapp is in the midst of a solo acoustic tour that will take him to Ridgefield on Thursday, April 14. He will perform Creed hits unplugged, as well as tunes from his upcoming solo album. His debut solo CD, "The Great Divide," was released in 2005 and is certified double platinum.

In a recent interview, Stapp talked about why now seemed like a good time to perform stripped-down versions of his songs. And yes, he chatted about a new Creed record.

Q: Why did you decide to do an acoustic tour?

A: I enjoy it and the fans have been asking for it for a long time.

Q: What's the benefit of performing unplugged?

A: The benefit of doing an acoustic performance is to show my fans and the audience a more raw, revealing persona. It also gives the fans a new way to listen and interpret the music.

Q: What can you tell us about your new material -- your follow-up solo record?

A: From a sonic perspective, it's a straight-ahead, groove-driven rock record. The themes paint a picture of temptation, ego, the extremes created when driven by both the depths each can drive us to, the resolution that can be found when there is no place to look but up, and the hope that is found when looking up causes one to realize that love is a gift that can save our life.

Q: Will it differ in tone from your first effort, "The Great Divide?"

A: It's much more melodic vocally, yet set against a very groove-driven rhythmic section and heavy, yet digestible, guitars.

Q: What's your most personal song?

A: They all fall into that category. If I had to name one that was recently released, I would have to say "Away in Silence," off my last Creed record, "Full Circle."

Q: Speaking of which, when can we expect a new Creed album?

A: We are talking about a 2012 release.

Q: What will the new album sound like?

A: Wow, man, the new Creed record is going to sound like nothing you've heard in the past. It will be different, because all of us have changed so much in the last few years. I can't wait to hear how it turns out.

Q: Finally, do you think there will ever be a cure for Bieber fever?

A: There is no cure, but you can treat the symptoms by graduating from junior high school.

The Ridgefield Playhouse is at 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. April 14, 8 p.m. $65. 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org