Jon Pardi’s ‘Honky Tonk Hollywood’ is a Mix of Country and Rock and Roll

Backstage Country listeners should not miss this week’s show. Jon Pardi is stepping in as Elaina Smith’s co-host and is sure to bring his signature style and charm! Pardi has always had a natural ability to connect with his fans, and as a co-host, he’ll share with listeners his journey, his music, and what’s coming next. Speaking of what’s next, Honky Tonk Hollywood, is out soon, and it’s bringing an exciting fusion of country and rock ‘n roll. 

Pardi talked about how it was to work with the album’s producer, Jay Jones, for the first time and how everybody knew that Honky Tonk Hollywood is a country album. But as Smith noted, the “rock and roll vibes are really present” in the album to create a “new and exciting sound.”  

Smith also confirmed an exciting tidbit about the album with Pardi, revealing how Tom Petty influenced it. The “Dirt on My Boots” singer agreed, saying, “Yeah. This is a cool story and it’s true. At the time we put out ‘Cowboys and Plowboys,’ me and Luke Bryan, and I thought, ‘It was a great song.’ It didn’t do as well as we thought, and it was so country.” 

Pardi added, “It was a moment of, ‘What’s going on? What do you want from me?’” He shared that there was a clip of Tom Petty on Instagram about switching up producers because it makes him “grow as an artist, a songwriter, and a musician.” Watching that clip was “the perfect moment at the perfect time.” He said, “It was something I really needed to see, and I love Tom Petty. I was crushed when Tom passed away, and I felt he was too young, and he had too much still [left] to do. But he was still working for me.” 

Pardi also shared that they started working on the album after coming back from a world tour: “When we went into the studio, we came off a super high because we were touring Europe and London and the UK and had a blast. So, we never felt more rockstar.” 

The 2017 CMA New Artist of the Year winner also reflected on how “change is always a big deal” and “what if is scary,” but in the end, he thinks that “it’s going to work out great.” 

Be sure to catch Jon Pardi on Backstage Country this week and get ready for the release of his highly anticipated album on April 11. Visit his website here to order.