On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer: Jon Pardi Episode Summary
Episode Title: Jon Pardi
Release Date: January 9, 2024
Host: Troy Vollhoffer, Owner and Founder of Country Thunder Music Festival
Guest: Jon Pardi, Renowned Country Artist
Introduction
In this engaging episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer," host Troy Vollhoffer welcomes the acclaimed country artist Jon Pardi for an in-depth conversation. The episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at Jon's career, his roots, his ventures beyond music, and his experiences touring both in the United States and internationally.
Music Career and Collaborations
The conversation kicks off with an intriguing discussion about a potential collaboration with Metallica. Jon shares insights into how Country Thunder engaged Metallica to partake in celebrating the anniversary of their iconic "Black Album."
"Metallica reached out to be a part of their 50th anniversary of the Black Album... we kind of merged the heavy metal and country music together." [01:32]
Jon elaborates on blending different genres, highlighting how this fusion has added a unique dimension to his performances, particularly emphasizing the use of riffs and energy infused into his sets.
Roots and Move to Nashville
Jon delves into his upbringing in Dixon, California, just outside Sacramento, and his journey to Nashville, Tennessee—a pivotal move at the age of 22 that significantly shaped his music career.
"I grew up listening to country music, singing country music... I moved to Nashville because of the radio, of reading CDs, and then I met some songwriters." [02:57]
He reflects on the cultural shift from rural California to the vibrant music hub of Nashville, appreciating the deep-rooted country traditions that influenced his artistic development.
Evolution of Nashville
The hosts discuss the transformation of Nashville over the years. Jon reminisces about iconic venues and the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination alongside its musical legacy.
"It used to be like the Longhorn. Midtown by losers... now we have all these restaurants, all the restaurant tours town." [04:34]
Jon's favorite spot, Jeff Ruby's, serves as a nostalgic touchstone for him, providing a sense of home away from home.
"Jeff Ruby is my spot. They treat me like, of course they got Pardi on the menu... it's just nice to have." [05:03]
Entrepreneurship: Whiskey Business
Transitioning from music, Jon discusses his foray into the whiskey business. Initially hesitant, he was persuaded by the quality of the product and the support from his fans.
"Once I told them what I liked in the recipe, and they really knocked it out enough to where I was like, this is actually really good." [06:05]
Jon emphasizes authenticity and passion in his business ventures, viewing his whiskey as a meaningful extension of his brand rather than just another merchandise line.
ACM Nomination and Recognition
A significant highlight of the episode is Jon's heartfelt acknowledgment of his ACM (Academy of Country Music) nomination. He expresses immense pride and gratitude, attributing his success to the supportive Nashville community.
"If you can get Nashville behind you to give you this whole kind of backing system... it's something I take pride in because I love that town." [06:36]
He underscores the importance of community and collaboration in achieving recognition within the industry.
Touring and International Presence
Jon provides an overview of his touring schedule, focusing on the upcoming Craven Country Thunder festival in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He reflects on his strong fanbase in Canada and shares anecdotes from past tours.
"Canadians and everybody in North America, they love country music... I have a big following in Canada." [12:50]
He discusses the logistics and experiences of performing in different climates, contrasting the harsh Canadian winters with the warm summers.
Heritage and Connection to Canada
A deeply personal segment reveals Jon's heritage ties to Canada. He traces his lineage to the Mi'kmaq tribe of Newfoundland, sharing stories passed down from his grandmother about his great-great-grandfather, a respected leader in the tribe.
"My great-great-grandfather was the chief of the tribe and was, like, straight up, like, Indian—really, like, a mountain man." [13:00]
This connection fuels his passion for performing in Canada and honoring his family's legacy through his music.
Anecdotes from Touring
Jon recounts memorable moments from his tours, including a challenging experience during a cold Canadian winter where his bus broke down, leaving him to brave the elements while ensuring the show went on.
"I had to sleep in the back because it was too cold... It was adventurous." [16:42]
These stories highlight his resilience and dedication to his craft, showcasing the behind-the-scenes realities of life on the road.
Upcoming Plans and Shows
Looking ahead, Jon expresses excitement about performing at prestigious venues like Calgary's Inner City Festival. He praises the city's authentic cowboy spirit and anticipates delivering memorable performances.
"Calgary is a great city. Inner city fest, which is fantastic. It's real cowboy town." [18:20]
Troy and Jon also discuss the meticulous planning involved in organizing performances, particularly in iconic locations steeped in country music history.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Troy urging listeners to attend Jon Pardi's upcoming shows, emphasizing the electrifying and authentic experiences he provides on stage.
"Make sure you come out and see Jon Pardi at the Country Thunders or anywhere you can see Jon Pardi because it's a kick-ass show and he's going to rock your ass off." [19:10]
Jon reciprocates the gratitude, appreciating the opportunity to connect with fans through the podcast and live performances.
"Cheers. Time for shower time." [19:31]
Final Thoughts
This episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer" offers a comprehensive look into Jon Pardi's life, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights. From his roots in California to his impactful presence in Nashville and Canada, Jon's story is one of passion, heritage, and unwavering dedication to country music. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on the music industry, the importance of community, and the balance between artistry and entrepreneurship.
For those who haven't listened yet, this episode is a must to understand the multifaceted journey of one of country music's standout artists.