Thanks to an ex-girlfriend, the world has the folk-infused music of singer/songwriter Joshua Radin [ tickets ]. A sixth- and seventh-grade art teacher by trade, Radin took up writing songs and singing after the relationship came to an end four years ago.

"Music just sort of came out," Radin said during an interview with LiveDaily. "I went through a breakup with a girl and the only way I could express myself was through writing songs. I don't know why I did it. I just started writing songs. It has been received well."

That's an understatement. Forty-eight hours after its digital release, his second album, "Simple Times," hit No. 1 on iTunes' Album and Alternative charts, and the set went on to enter The Billboard 200 at No. 34, his publicist said.

"It's been really cool," Radin said. "I'm very honored and humbled."

Radin has had a slew of good opportunities since releasing his debut, "We Were Here," in June 2006 through Columbia Records. College buddy/actor Zach Braff heard the demo of the song "Winter" and featured the song on his show "Scrubs" in early 2004. The songs "Today" (on which Braff played the triangle), "Closer," "Don't Look Away" and "These Photographs" were also used on the show.

In August 2008, Radin performed "Today" on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" after the talk-show host/comedienne met him at a charity event. Later, he would perform the song at DeGeneres' wedding to actress Portia de Rossi.

Although being around such creative people inspires Radin, it's touring that really excites him.

"I love waking up in a new city every day," Radin said. "It's just kind of cool. I think it's a lifestyle you have to love and embrace if you're going to play music for a living. Otherwise, why do it?"

Although he's had good opportunities, there have been some downturns. Radin was originally signed to Columbia. With "Simple Times," which was produced by Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith), he is inked to Q Prime management's new independent label, Mom & Pop Music Co., which is helmed by Michael Goldstone.

"I think the music business and my record were clashing, and we were having a creative difference of opinion. I just wanted to get back to where I started a few years ago without writing and recording, without thinking at all about what some other label would like, while doing exactly what I like."

Now content with Mom & Pop, Radin invited two special guests to lend their voices to his album: Meiko and singer/songwriter Patty Griffin.

"[Griffin] did her vocals from her studio in Nashville and sent them to L.A. where we were recording," said Radin, who counts Motown among his influences. "We weren't actually in the same studio. But, in general, I think working with her was just incredible. It was a dream come true, really. She's one of my favorite songwriters in the world. That's why I asked her to do it. So, she said 'Yes' and said she would love to. I was like, 'Wow. I can't believe it.'"