UPDATED: If you asked Tom Goss, ten years ago, What do you want to be when you grow up? he likely would have answered in one of three ways: gymnast, wrestler or Catholic priest. Any of the three would have made sense: he was born into a home of gymnast parents and siblings in Wisconsin, switched to wrestling in junior high to release some self-described teen angst, and, after seeing the “light,” ditched college in Missouri to enter a Catholic seminary in Washington, D.C.

No, this is not the making of a LOGO made-for-TV movie (although Goss ought to consider any reasonable offer – at 28, he could likely get away with playing himself). Taken in sum, though, all the experiences have forged a formidable singer/songwriter who, in just the past four years, has released three albums and developed a fan base that rivals any of the other Indie acts playing coffee houses and festivals across the country.

Of his music, Goss says, Don’t expect hymns. In fact he offers up what’s been described as dynamic acoustic rock featuring muscular guitar, hooky melodies and a uniquely powerful voice: among his patron saints he counts Jack Johnson, Damien Rice, Ben Folds and Joss Stone.

Goss is running a contest on Facebook: through his page Create Love Sing – Tom Goss. The singer is asking fans to tell him what his recent release “Back to Love” means to them. The winner receives five signed copies of his latest album, a private concert and “all his love.” If the wrestler-gymnast thing didn’t pique your interest, the love thing just might. But don’t get any ideas: Goss is happily “engaged” and extremely busy. But he can be seen on stage, at the very least: Next up is the September 20 Roanoke Pride in Virginia before turning further south for gigs in Tennessee, Florida and Georgia. Oh, and yes, be can be seen on LOGO all the time in his collection of videos.

Tony G: Tom, you’ve really shot to the top in a short period of time in contrast to your contemporaries. What has given you the edge?

Tom G: I guess some people would say that my first album (Naked Without , 2006) was the beginning of my career, period. I needed an album before performing live, that may or may not be the wisest way for an artist to start out. But I had been in the Seminary, had no attachment to anything and I didn’t really want to take a shitty job at Starbucks. I put out the album, started doing shows in D.C., and soon I was playing two to four times a week.

Tony G: Are you enjoying the newfound stardom?

Tom G: For me it’s really not about being famous, in fact the thought of it makes me uncomfortable. What’s important is that my music resonates with people. I hear a lot from fans who tell me that my songs touched them. That’s when I feel like what I’m doing is really substantive and worthwhile. Besides, most of my day is very unglamorous, researching venues, dealing with licensing companies, making phone calls …

Tony G: Back to Love is pretty powerful

 Tom G: I think it’s bad ass, far and away the best recording I’ve put out. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that you can’t be a producer and engineer on top of everything else, so I took that to heart, got a great team, and came up with some big, edgy, gorgeous sounds.

 Tony G: And the Facebook contest. Will you really go anywhere for the private show?

Tom G: Anywhere! Yeah, I will. One of the things I’ve learned is that people really want to share their experiences with me, so I wanted to create a platform for that.

Tony G: I’m sure a lot of people are wondering if you’d also wear a singlet for the private performance… But you don’t need to answer that here. What are your favorite cities to perform in?

Tom G: Believe it or not, Pittsburgh. I love it there. I judge cities by performance spaces and food. But, I really enjoy so many places: Portland, Seattle, Missoula, I had a great time in Jacksonville. What draws me is a laid-back, friendly attitude and good food. I love the Midwest and New England because people are less refined, in a good way.

Tony G: So, you’re not a city boy?

Tom G: Oh, I love places like New York and DC, but I really have to have my game on. Smaller cities allow you to kick back and let go.

Tony G: Will this be your first time in Maine? It sounds like the state was made for you.

Tom G: Never been there. And my partner and I are making a vacation out of the whole thing, enjoying the mountains and camping and all that. Most people love the beach, but we like to get out in the wilderness.

Tony G: Well, Maine is the best of both worlds. You and your partner might even decide to get married here when and if marriage stays legal in November. I hear you’ll be heading to Rehoboth Beach for Pride. You must do a lot of festivals.

Tom G: I do and I love them. And, I tend to have the most fun at the small ones. There always seems to be a much greater sense of community, and they’re not about banks and airlines selling you stuff. That said, Rehoboth should be good. I don’t think I’ve ever been there. As a DC gay, is that a sin?

Tony G: Not one of the deadlier ones, but I’m sure there are a lot of guys who would be willing to entertain your confessions.

Check out our latest guides to beach vacation spots:

• Ogunquit, Maine
• Rehoboth Beach, DE
• Saugatuck / Douglas, MI

These join our already great summer guides for Laguna Beach, Provincetown, and Russian River, California.

We’re also working on a few more vacation spots, so keep your eye out.