Jon Pardi: New Music, Fatherhood & Hangover Cures
A podcast by Whiskey Riff for the country fan. On ‘Whiskey Riff Raff’ buckle up for an unfiltered and unapologetic take on country music, life, sports, and all the craziness that comes with it. Laugh with us. Rant with us. Drink with us.
The California cowboy, Jon Pardi, joins the podcast to talk about his new album ‘Honkytonk Hollywood,’ staying true to his traditional country roots and leaning into that style, his writing process, becoming a dad, pre-show rituals, hangover cures and much more.
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The team behind Whiskey Riff get their boots dirty with Jon Pardi, aka ‘The California cowboy’ in the latest episode of the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast.
Fresh from releasing his fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood – the 39 year old country star, originally from Dixon, California, spills the whiskey on becoming a dad, his pre-show rituals, hangover cures and of course his latest tunes.
Not sure what to expect from this album? Think Nashville with a sprinkle of West Coast vibes… sounds like the perfect summer singalong to us!
All my albums have been rock and roll with a country flare – this one keeps on rockin’…It’s also the most grownup record I’ve ever made. It’s all my soul basically.
From the difficulties of songwriting, to his low key ranching obsession, this episode unpacks A LOT. Tune in below:
Jon Pardi Unplugged: West Coast to Nashville
Jon Pardi has been writing songs since the ripe old age of 12… forming his first band at just 14 years old. He wasted no time after leaving high school – hitting the road from sunny Dixon in California to the honky tonks and tassels of music city.
Nashville became home in 2008 but it was in 2010 that he opened for Dierks Bentley, before releasing his debut single Missin’ You Crazy in 2012.
The West Coast country of the 70’s was like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and then there was Rock n’ Roll but still today, that’s straight up country. California is such an inspiration – it’s such a great state.
Staying true to his roots in a growing genre
Pardi pulls his inspiration from the greats such as George Strait, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard – and that traditional country sound is something he has always stayed true to throughout his 13-year career.
He is also a big Zach Top fan, someone he shared the stage with recently down under, saying he’s got the “nostalgia of a 90’s country baby.”
I compare him [Zach Top] to when Randy Travis came out. I feel like they’re very comparable as traditionalists who came out and made a really big breakthrough.
He shares that Country music is the biggest it’s ever been – and he is not wrong! On the growth of the genre – we see more and more artists hitting up huge football stadiums and amphitheatres across the world, something Pardi has on his own vision board – but admits he is more than happy to be the supporting act for other country stars… for now.
Behind The Mic: Fatherhood & Sports
Artist life can be challenging enough without the added responsibility of being a parent – but Pardi is taking it in his stride, saying they’ve bought a bigger tour bus for his growing family, and they head back home to California soil to see family (and eat the Mexican food!) as much as they can.
The 39-year-old admits to not watching much TV, and highly recommends instagram breaks, but he does love him some NFL – reflecting on his childhood as a San Fransisco 49ers fan, and playing himself all through school.
Why you should listen as a Jon Pardi fan
This refreshing chat zooms out on the life of Jon Pardi so far – not just conversations around his latest album – although that makes a great summer playlist!
From the dusty roads of California (and their great Mexican food joints) to navigating Nashville and the joy of honky tonks, Pardi leaves us with his one mission:
I make music for how I think country music should sound…