INSIGHT: Your latest single “Right Here in the South” dropped on 9/26/25. What’s the story behind it, and what moment finally told you “this is the one to lead with”?
Dalton Jones: I was raised “Right Here in the South” and this song tells the story of how myself, and so many others were brought up. We always said “Yes sir” and “Yes ma’am.” You look someone in their eyes when they are talking to you and you shake a man’s hand. I really wrote this song in a pretty angry frame of mind. I just want to see people have more respect for one another, stop the childish bickering, and be HUMAN again. When people started listening to this song at my live shows, the response was always “You have to record this!” I listened to my fans and this was the song I decided to debut!
INSIGHT: “Country Nights” has a different feel—when did that song first click, and what did you want listeners to feel in the first 30 seconds?
Dalton: “Country Nights” tells the story of where I went to high school in Wadley, AL. There wasn’t a whole lot to do other than have bonfires, ride dirt roads, and partake in the adult beverages. This song tells the story of those country nights—having fun with friends and enjoying the simple way of living. I wanted it to have that gritty country/southern-rock vibe that resonates with folks in Alabama and across the country.
INSIGHT: “Nothin’ to Lose” rounds out your 2025 run—how do these three singles connect?
Dalton: “Nothin’ to Lose” really talks about me as a person and performer. I have undiagnosed ADHD and music is the one thing that’s always stuck like glue. I wanted to tell my story—how I’ve paid my dues over the last 30 years—and how I just want someone to give me a shot. I write from the soul and all my music has a story. This song tells that story and flows into the style and image I want to create.
INSIGHT: You released a “Simple Man” cover in 2024. What did you want to bring to that classic?
Dalton: This one was special. I grew up idolizing and listening to Charlie Daniels on repeat. From “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” to “Uneasy Rider,” his music resonated with my soul. “Simple Man” is one of my all-time favorites, and I felt like it still speaks to what’s going on today. I wanted to record and release it with my own edge.
INSIGHT: What’s next—an EP or full album? Any release windows?
Dalton: I’ll be back in the studio in a couple weeks and plan to release two more singles, then jointly release them as an EP right around the first of the year. I have a full album put together and I’m pushing to make it happen—long-term goal is by this time next year.
Roots, faith, and family
INSIGHT: Your first singing memories were in church at age 4, harmonizing with your dad. How did that shape your voice and stage presence?
Dalton: My dad is an amazing singing talent—a true Southern gospel tenor who can make you feel the songs. I remember him singing special music nearly every Sunday. I finally worked up the courage to sing with him one Sunday and I was hooked. My roots are deep in Southern gospel, and that’s where my musical talents were shaped—from pitch, key, timing to having the courage to be in front of people and enjoy the music.
INSIGHT: Your SoundCloud mentions teaching yourself guitar around age 10. What was the first riff you truly owned?
Dalton: Funny enough, I learned to pick riffs before I could even chord a G. The first riff I nailed was “Sweet Home Alabama.” Stereotypical for a kid from Alabama, I know. Then came a host of Metallica tunes—“Enter Sandman,” “Master of Puppets,” “One,” and others.
INSIGHT: Your wife’s part of your writing journey—what’s the co-writing process like at home?
Dalton: She’s so talented and my rock. She hears what I’m working on and says, “That sounds great—have you thought about using this word here?” That supportive criticism brings out the best in what I’m doing.
Influences & sound
INSIGHT: You cite Charlie Daniels, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Metallica. How do those threads show up in your arrangements? Any deep-cut influences?
Dalton: Those three have a heavy influence. I love Hank, Willie, Waylon, too. I’ve always aimed for Country/Outlaw/Country-rock. The three intertwine in a way that pulls in a bigger fanbase—some want heartfelt lyrics, others want a killer guitar solo. You’ll hear that in “Right Here in the South” and “Nothin’ to Lose.” I’m excited about what’s coming next.
INSIGHT: If you had to explain your sound to someone who only listens to one of those three, what track do you play them first?
Dalton: I’d point to “Simple Man” by Charlie Daniels and “I Need You” by Skynyrd—two songs I love. The tone and heart in those songs is what I’m trying to create. “Right Here in the South” blends my spin with those roots.
Calhoun County & live shows
INSIGHT: You’re from Jacksonville, AL and gigging widely now—what’s special about a hometown crowd?
Dalton: We actually play across 12 counties now in Alabama! It’s exciting to play right here locally. It means more when you look up and see a lifelong friend, family member, or day-one fan pop in. I love traveling, but seeing my “home folks” is special.
INSIGHT: Recent stages range from Pinhoti Pizza (Piedmont) to Big D’s Game Changer. Favorite kind of room?
Dalton: I love both—great owners and staff who love music. Larger venues are fun, but I have to say I love the smaller rooms. It’s more personal. I can talk to fans, tell stories, and connect in ways that are harder in big spaces.
INSIGHT: You teased a connection with OPAC—anything you can share?
Dalton: I’m happy to share I’ll be in the OPAC “10×10 Series” showcasing local talent. I play Jan. 15, 2026 at 7 PM. It’s an honor—representing Cedar Springs (Jacksonville) on Calhoun County’s biggest stage. I’d love to see locals come out!
INSIGHT: Dream Calhoun County bill: you + two local acts—who’s on it, and where?
Dalton: Tough one. Mainstream—Riley and Jamey (both came from Jax State). Riley’s done so much for my family. Locally, the guys in Blues Deluxe are awesome, Pleasant Gap Band, and I have to say Foggy Hollow Band—legendary guys. So many great names I’m leaving off.
Songwriting & studio
INSIGHT: What’s your “start line” when writing—title, melody, groove, or a lyric that won’t leave?
Dalton: I’m an ad-lib writer. Inspiration hits, I pick up the guitar, and the words come. I write from the heart and reflect what I’m going through. Life hasn’t always been easy. There was a time my wife and I had $40 to last two weeks. We only ate because my mom worked in the lunchroom and brought food home. It’s been a grind. I share those experiences so people know I’m just like them.
INSIGHT: A line you’re proud of from the new singles—and how it came to you.
Dalton: “When things get tough, the tough get going, the good things in life are all worth knowing.” Old sayings, nothing I invented, but they tell my story. I’ve always worked hard, never quit, and try to be my best every day.
INSIGHT: Where did you track these songs? Who produced/mixed/mastered?
Dalton: Everything before “Right Here in the South” was tracked at home or at my previous drummer Lamar’s studio. “Right Here in the South” and my next two singles are slated with Josh Bright (Josh Bright Productions, Boaz, AL)—amazing talent and a local guy who’s worked with Billy Currington, Dierks Bentley, Hardy, Ella Langley, and others.
INSIGHT: If we muted the vocal, what should we notice that says “this is a Dalton track”?
Dalton: A country vibe with a rock edge—that’s the root of what I love about music.
Career path & momentum
INSIGHT: After an A&R convo, you ramped up your “dailies.” What changed?
Dalton: I worried less about pitching to A&R and more about motivating fans. I care more about their perception than a suit. It seems to have motivated folks to support me more.
INSIGHT: Beyond streams, what metrics matter—tickets, emails, watch-time, radio adds?
Dalton: Active listeners. Streams are great, but I want to see people add songs to playlists and radio stations pick them up. That’s the sign of a truly good song.
INSIGHT: A recent “small win” that told you you’re on the right track?
Dalton: A fan knew my music and sang every word, front row, the whole show. He said he listens on the way to work daily. Humbling and awesome.
Community & give-back
INSIGHT: What did Calhoun County do for you that you hope to pay forward?
Dalton: Support. I love our scene. It’s not a competition; it’s about winning together. I want our musicians to succeed and reach their goals.
INSIGHT: If you could start a monthly writers’ round or jam night here, what’s the format?
Dalton: I’ve got a 40×40 industrial shop with power, a drum set, and a few other things—I’d love to host jam sessions and put it to good use.
Live set & repertoire
INSIGHT: What covers still live in your set—and why?
Dalton: Jamey Johnson, Charlie Daniels, Skynyrd, Hank Jr., and more. I do originals, but I love paying respects to the greats. Playing “Curtis Loew” or “Outlaw Women” and watching folks light up—that’s it.
INSIGHT: Best request lately—and the wildest?
Dalton: I always get a Jelly Roll request when it’s literally the next song on the setlist. Wildest lately was Chris LeDoux – “Cowboy’s Hat.” Great song and tough—I learned it on the spot.
INSIGHT: Any crowd-participation moments we should film for the feature?
Dalton: I sometimes become a karaoke DJ. I love when folks come up to sing. A few weekends ago, two or three kids came on stage; I gave them picks and let them strum while I chorded. I’ve got three daughters—the dad in me came out. Those are the moments I want people to remember.
Brand, visuals & content
INSIGHT: Your socials lean authentic—short reels, performance clips, family moments. What’s the plan as the songs roll out?
Dalton: Keep being who I am. You love me or you don’t. I won’t chase being everybody’s favorite. I’ll keep making real, authentic music for the people who want it.
INSIGHT: If a fan filmed only 10 seconds at a show, what moment should they capture?
Dalton: Me in my element—connecting with people. Those moments with kids on stage, or when the whole room sings back—that’s it.
INSIGHT: Three adjectives you want people to use for your music in 2025.
Dalton: Authentic. Powerful. Real.
Business & goals
INSIGHT: Biggest challenge of being fully independent—and how can the local scene help?
Dalton: The industry can keep independents boxed in. It takes hard work, determination, and belief. Supporting local talent, businesses, and orgs brings opportunity—more festivals, events, and chances to connect. That’s how communities grow.
INSIGHT: What would make 2026 a win—rank your top three.
Dalton: Touring (take my family to see the country), releasing the album, and continued mainstream radio support.
INSIGHT: If a label called tomorrow, what are your non-negotiables?
Dalton: Family first—they come with me when and where they want. Musical integrity—I make the music I want to make. And a set window each year to play where I want so I can come home and support the people who helped me get here. The money will come; I’m focused on bringing heartfelt music to fans.
Hometown lightning round
INSIGHT: Post-gig bite?
Dalton: Blu’s in Anniston—so many memories. My wife and I met there, got engaged there. It’s about to reopen.
INSIGHT: Favorite local stage—and a bucket-list Alabama room?
Dalton: The Apothecary in Jacksonville—it was my first gig and they helped me grow. Bucket list: Rock the South (and plenty more).
INSIGHT: Song you wish you’d written.
Dalton: “In Color.” It was the first song I learned to play and sing. I played it for my Maw-maw before she passed, and she told me, “Take that guitar and sing for folks every chance you get.”
INSIGHT: First instrument you’d buy if budget didn’t exist.
Dalton: Gold-top LP.
INSIGHT: Best singing advice from your dad.
Dalton: Sing from the heart, mix it up, and make it fun.
INSIGHT: Thanks for doing this Dalton and best of luck to you.
Dalton: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story with you all! I really appreciate you and what you do!!
