C&I gives you an exclusive first listen to Dallas Moore’s latest album, Mr. Honky Tonk, out March 2.
Dallas Moore’s new album, Mr. Honky Tonk, is filled with songs about hometowns, drinkin’, and heartbreak — a full-blooded American country compilation definitely worth a listen.
Produced by Dean Miller — he’s worked with Chris Stapleton, Alison Krauss, and Merle Haggard — and backed by a plethora of master performers (including harmonica legend Mickey Raphael, famed Nashville session bassist Michael Rhodes, and pedal-steel pro Steve Hinson), the LP stems from the creative writing mind of outlaw troubadour Moore.
An award-winning songwriter of No. 1 hits like “Texas Tornado,” “Crazy Again,” and “Blessed Be the Bad Ones,” Moore does most of his writing out on the open road.
“I do the vast majority of my writing while I’m out riding my Harley-Davidson Road King,” Moore says. “When I’m alone on a long ride, it’s really the only time I'm free to let my mind open up and wander. The lyrics and melodies seem to come out of the wind and into my mind.”
When he reaches his destination, Moore says, he’ll pick up a guitar and flesh out the music.
“I write from both personal experiences and observations I make while out on the road,” he says. “I’ve never been able to sit down and write in a certain time frame or controlled environment. It always seems to come from out of nowhere and happen organically — I can’t force it. I reckon it’s different for everybody, but that’s what works for me.”
Moore and his band recently received the Outlaw Group of the Year award at the Ameripolitan Music Awards, in Austin, Texas. It was their fourth time being nominated for the Ameripolitans, which highlight the best in outlaw country, Western swing, honky-tonk, and rockabilly music.
With tracks like the nostalgic Texas-based “Home Is Where the Highway Is” and “Texahio” and the rebel-rocking “Shoot out the Lights,” Moore’s latest release is poised for even greater success with the masses who thrive on relatable country topics with swing-dance undertones.
Moore loves playing for those masses, but he doesn’t really consider them fans.
“We are on the road all the time, consistently playing over 300 shows a year,” he says. “I love getting to play my music and the songs I love from my heroes and friends for new people most every night. I don’t like the term fans as I really feel like we’re out here making lifelong friends and family. The music is what brings us all together.”
Put on your dancing boots, give a good dance-hall listen to Dallas Moore’s Mr. Honky Tonk, and join the family.
For more information on Dallas Moore, his new Mr. Honky Tonk LP, and upcoming tour dates, visit his website.