Howie Day is a busy guy.

After signing to a major label earlier this year, life is hectic for the singer-songwriter from Maine.

"We're really busy all the time. We've just got more hands in it now," Day said of his transition from independent artist to Epic Records signee. "It's kind of like a steroid shot into what we were doing before."

Currently, Day is occupying the opening slot of Tori Amos' tour, which started a week ago in Tampa Bay, Fla.

Tonight, he will play a solo, headlining show at Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave.

"Smaller shows and larger shows are like two different worlds," said Day, who is fitting tonight's show in on an off day between concerts in New York and Philadelphia.

"I feel like a different performer," Day added. "Playing smaller shows is a lot more intimate. It's a little more loose and laid back."

This is not the first time Day has played Crowbar, having opened for the Pat McGee Band twice before, but tonight will be his first headlining show at the venue.

"We liked his music, and we knew he would be a headliner sooner or later," Crowbar General Manager Chuck Smitley said. "It just took time and enough exposure."

According to Day, his acoustic style bears many influences -- the Beatles for arrangement, Bono for performance, Jeff Buckley for vocals and Richard Ashcroft for songwriting.

"I think that everything that influences you describes who you are," Day said.

When it comes to describing his sound, he prefers to rattle off his influences.

"I think it's tough to put people in a genre, because everyone's an individual. It's almost harder than describing how someone looks," he said.

Day's debut album, Australia, was released independently in 2000 and more recently was re-released by Epic in June.

Even before his signing, Day was able to land spots opening for acts like the Wallflowers, Remy Zero and David Gray.

"It feels good to be associated with artists I admire," Day said.

"I learn a little bit from everyone I play a show with."

As he's been playing at bars since he was 15, the 21-year-old Day said the biggest difference since he reached the legal drinking age has been that he "can go to the bar and order beer now."

Of the many pre-21 gigs, Day said, "Once in awhile they'd give me a hard time. The bouncer would stop me at the door and be like, 'Can I see some ID?' "

Doors for tonight's all-ages, alcohol-free show open at 8 p.m., with the concert beginning at 9. Pop-rocker Bleu will open. Tickets are $10.