For over 40 years, Dale Watson has been singing songs that forge together a unique style. His sound blends Honky Tonk, Rock, Western String, and Outlaw Country. Now, he's teasing his upcoming album, Unwanted. It not only pays tribute to some of the greats in these genres but also showcases Dale's love for them.
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Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings are known as pioneers of the "Outlaw Country" movement in the 70s, which aimed to inspire country artists to step outside the more commercial "Nashville Sound" and return to traditional country music.
Watson just released his new song, "Willie Waylon And Whiskey". The tune gives credit to both artists, while Watson is having "one hell of a night." At a recent performance at Sam's Town Point in Austin, Watson explained how he became inspired to write the song.
"This song was written on stage in San Antonio at the Lonesome Rose Bar," he shared. "Inspired by a large man standing in front of me all night because he was wearing a shirt that simply said 'Willie Waylon and Whiskey.' ... I wrote the song on the spot. I knew it would be a keeper when by the second time the chorus came around the entire crowd was singing it with me."
Now, the song is the frontrunner on Dale's new album Unwanted, which comes out April 24th.
Dale Watson Wants A Return To Traditional Country
Watson has often spoken about his unique blend of music, which he calls Ameripolitan.
"Nashville has that term ['country'] and it has been forever tainted..." he told Outlaw Country. "I thought if our music is going to be allowed to grow it needs a new genre. Americana is original music with prominent rock influence, Ameripolitan is original music with prominent roots influence."
He's also compared himself to Kenny Chesney. Chesney recently won a Billboard award naming him the Top Country Artist of the 21st Century. However, Dale doesn't seem convinced. "You take a guy like Kenny Chesney, and my music doesn't fit in with his crowd at all," Dale explained. "And the reason is, his music, and others like him, have zero connection to the roots of country music like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash."
With old country consistently becoming more popular in mainstream music, Dale believes there's hope for people to fall in love with this sound again.
"I actually hope this record helps get notoriety in the mainstream, to let folks know that there is a place for this type of music..." he shared with The Boot. "I don't think I'm ready to make them shift, but I think there is a shift going on."
At the time, Dale was promoting his record Carryin' On.
