Country recording artist Aaron Watson chatted about his new 26-track album “Horse Named Texas,” which was released today.
All of the 26 songs were co-written by Watson, and the album blends the steadfast storytelling longtime fans expect with the energy and perspective drawing in a new generation of listeners.
“It was so fun,” he exclaimed about the recording process. “It is so exciting to finally get these songs out into the world so people can listen to them. This is something that I always enjoy!”
Song selection process
On the lengthy song selection process for this album, Watson said, “I’ve been writing a lot lately! I recorded a lot of songs, and it’s not like it used to be where if you had a lot of songs that meant you had to do double CDs or triple CDs.”
“I just wanted to put all of these songs out so that people could have music,” he said. “I write too much. I’ve already got another record almost finished.”
“I always like having the songs that I write at the same time, and I like to keep them together,” he added.
Favorite song on the album
For the time being, he listed “Old Houses,” as well as the honky tonk songs “Drinking & Driving (You Crazy)” and ““Hardly Friends Barely Lovers.”
“While most of the honky tonk ones are my favorites, I am really proud of these songs,” he exclaimed.
Watson listed “Pontiac” and “Old Houses” as two of the most personal songs to him on this album. “Also, the song ‘Gone Fishing’ was inspired by my grandfather because he passed away. So, there was some connection there,” he admitted.
“There is just a lot of my DNA in all of these songs… the happy ones and the sad ones. A lot of my heart and soul goes into these songs,” he acknowledged.
At the album’s heart is the title track tune, “Horse Named Texas,” which a self-portrait disguised as a cowboy tale.
In this song, Watson likens his journey to an honest, faithful horse, which is steady, spirited, and relentless—one that has carried him from dusty honky tonks to the front lines of modern country, transforming the honky tonk kid into a trailblazer in contemporary country music.
Touring dates
On his tour dates, he said, “They are going great! We’ve been playing all over the nation… it’s funny because we are on the ‘Horse Named Texas’ tour, and we’ve been everywhere but Texas lately.”
“So, I’m kind of ready to get back home, but the tour has been going so good,” he noted.
“There’s nothing quite like writing a song on the back porch at the ranch, and then I record it. Then, one day I have all these people singing it to me. It’s the best feeling ever,” he exclaimed.
Plans for the future
On his future plans, he shared, “I’ve told people that this new album ‘Horse Named Texas’ is like day one of the next five years.”
“We’re going to put out more music than we’ve ever put out, and we will play more shows. We’re going to put out more radio singles. We’re going to work harder than we’ve ever worked,” he elaborated.
“I’m ready to get to work and put in some overtime,” he added.
Playing shows with his son Jake Watson
He is thrilled to be sharing the stage with his son Jake Watson. “It’s so fun to play shows with my son Jake, especially to be on stage with my boy.”
“It’s hard to describe, but I really enjoy playing live shows but when I have my son up there, it’s almost like being on vacation,” he explained.
Closing thoughts on this new album ‘Horse Named Texas’
For fans and viewers, Watson remarked, “I want them to get enjoyment out of this album. If they’re cleaning the house or working in the yard or taking a drive, they can start at the first song, just push play, and let that sucker go.”
“I just love what I’m doing. I’m just having so much fun,” he admitted. “I feel so lucky that I get to write my songs and record them.”
“I’m so lucky to get to do what I do for a living. I’m very fortunate and blessed,” Watson concluded.
“Horse Named Texas” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about country star Aaron Watson, follow him on Instagram.
