Jon Pardi Embraces Change in New Album ‘Honkytonk Hollywood’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music star Jon Pardi is stepping out of his traditional comfort zone with his new album, “Honkytonk Hollywood,” which showcases a blend of classic country vibes with modern rock influences.

Pardi, known for his six number-one hits, including “Dirt on My Boots,” has garnered respect within the country music community over the past decade. While many are familiar with his old-school country sound, he acknowledges the changes within the genre.

“In all honesty, I don’t know what country music is anymore,” Pardi said. “We got Hardy heavy-metal country, we’ve got Beyoncé country, Morgan Wallen country, Jelly Roll. Everybody’s bringing in the stuff they grew up listening to, and it’s awesome.”

Despite his traditional roots, Pardi embraced a more adventurous sound for this album. Inspired by Tom Petty‘s approach to collaborating with different producers, he sought out the acclaimed producer Jay Joyce, known for his work with artists like Eric Church and Lainey Wilson. “It was kind of like a sign—‘You should do it and see what happens,’ ” he recalled.

According to Pardi, the recording process for “Honkytonk Hollywood” was unlike anything he had experienced before. He described the sessions as immersive, saying, “We hunkered down. We drank whiskey after the sessions. It was like how you imagine the records on every poster on your wall.”

The album’s sound pushes boundaries while still retaining Pardi’s country roots, featuring tracks like the groovy “Love the Lights Out” and the yacht-rock-inspired “Hey California.” Having relocated from California to Nashville in 2008, Pardi often reflects on his dual identity. “The Nashville piece of me is more of the business side,” he explained. “But so much of my family is in California, and when we go back, you get that feeling of being raised there.”

As he approaches a milestone birthday, Pardi recognizes the changes in his life. With two children and a growing family, he has shifted his songwriting focus from party anthems to more meaningful themes. “Don’t worry about writing hits. Write something that means something to you,” he advised fellow songwriters during a recent Zoom meeting.

His compositions on the album reflect these themes, such as “He Went to Work,” honoring hardworking parents, and “She Drives Away,” exploring the relationship between fathers and daughters.

Pardi remains optimistic that his fans, lovingly called the “Pardi Animals,” will embrace his evolution as an artist. “We’re poets, we’re writers—we make you hear what we’re feeling,” he said. “If we do the same thing over and over again, we’re not artists.”

During a recent performance at Nashville’s Country Radio Seminar, he debuted several songs from “Honkytonk Hollywood” to enthusiastic crowd reactions. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had launching new music,” he declared. “There was no ‘I wonder if they like it.’ We started playing and it was like, ‘Fuck yeah!’”