Interview: Rising Country Talent Johnny Dailey Talks New EP ‘Dillashaw’

We caught up with rising country talent Johnny Dailey who shared a little about his freshly released EP Dillashaw. Johnny also delved into his country inspirations, surprise talents and his current creative inspirations.

Thanks to Johnny for the chat. You can keep in the loop with him here.

I would love to know about the first music you discovered in your youth and what effect it had on you?

I think I grew up in some of the best times for country music. I love all of those early Kenny records. From “When The Sun Goes Down” all the way to the coastal inspired “Be As You Are” record. I also listened to a lot of Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Tim McGraw. My dad played a lot of classic rock…Boston to Elton John, so those artists had an impact on me. I really dug deep into the songs that were lyric heavy. The deep cuts.

Was music always a goal for you? At what age did you start to actively pursue songwriting and making music?

It wasn’t even a thought in my mind as a career until I was a senior in high school. That’s where the dream of writing songs came about. I really started chasing it heavily when I was 23 or 24 years old.

What does it feel like to put your music out there for the world to hear? I guess it must be quite a vulnerable sensation.

It’s a really cool thing. You just hope it connects with people. I’ve got so many songs I love, so when one comes out I’m always ready to release another. It’s really helped me hone in on what I want my sound to be and what I want to say through my music.

Tell me about your debut EP, Dillashaw. Are there any particular stories and inspirations behind the lyrics of the new tracks?

It’s about my youth in Alabama on the land I grew up on. I’m a homebody deep down, so I naturally go there when I write songs. “Friends, Farms, and Fords” is one I didn’t write, but it connects with me and where I’m at more than ever.

Even though you just released the EP are you already working on more music?

Oh yeah. We’ve been in the studio and already have some new music set to come out sometime this summer!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

My 80’s country playlist! Don Williams, George Strait, Dan Seals. Keeps the songwriter in me inspired.

What would people be surprised to find out about you? Do you have any surprising secret talents or skills?

I love woodworking. It’s something I’ve done my whole life. Currently, I’m working on my first acoustic guitar and I’m about halfway finished.

Looking back, is there a musical memory that you’re most proud of?

It was great to see my latest song “Trouble” land on the all genre New Music Friday playlist on Spotify.

Who are your all time favourite country inspirations?

Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, & Guy Clark. I love their lyrics and writing style.

I’d love to hear about some of your other cultural highlights of recent times: the films, books, television series or albums that you can’t get enough of.

I’ve been loving reading short stories lately. Louis L’amour has some I’ve been hooked on. Also, Yellowstone and 1883 of course!