A New sound is brewing...

"What’s up everybody? It’s been a while. I have some things to say. 

The past few months I’ve been doing some soul searching and re-evaluation of my musical direction. I was getting pretty burnt out by music and had to take a step back and realize why I do this. The reason is because it’s who I am. Music runs in my blood. With that realization came another: I need to be true to myself in the music I create. Now, rest assured all 4 records I’ve released thus far have been straight from my heart, and I have a special connection to each of them for different reasons. However, I placed myself inside a box that I created. I decided in my mind that if I was going to be a “real country artist” then I needed to make my music sound like the stuff on the radio.

The truth is, the stuff on country radio these days is absolute, complete, utter garbage. I don’t listen to it. I don’t feel inspired by it. See, I’m rooted in rock n roll. I learned to play the guitar listening to my heroes: Zakk Wylde, Eddie Van Halen, Slash, Frank Hannon, George Lynch, etc. I sold myself out from the very beginning by forcing myself to sound like a specific thing. Recently, it hit me: did any of my heroes do that? Did they hear a band on the radio and say “hmm, I need to sound like them to be successful.” Maybe partially, but the real answer is hell NO. They made the music that their hearts led them to.
Well, folks, here it is. The big news. This last week I’ve been in the studio working on a new record. It’s different. It’s rock, it’s blues, it’s even a little country, but most importantly, it’s ME. Not one creative decision on this record has been made for the sake of being “relevant” or “commercial.” It’s just music, and I will tell you now, it’s gonna rock your socks off.

To everybody who has stuck with me over the last few years, thank you so much. Your support has really kept me going. This new record is for you, because you believe in me. But more than that, it’s for ME so I can believe in me.

I won’t spill too many details about the new project, but I’ll have a preview and a release date soon. I’m going to get back to doing Music Monday or at least regularly releasing content for you to enjoy. Just don’t be surprised if it’s not a country song you’re hearing. Thanks again for sticking by me. You guys are awesome.

OUT WITH THE BOX. IN WITH THE DAKOTA F’N HURLEY"