New music might soon be here from George Strait, and perhaps a documentary as well. The 70-year-old reveals he is planning on releasing a new album, following his 2019 Honky Tonk Time Machine, and that might not be his only new project in the new year.
“I like making records and plan on doing another one soon,” Strait tells Cowboys & Indians. “I’m narrowing down my song choices now. I’ve always said I’m a melody guy. A great melody can sell a song the best. A great lyric with a lousy melody maybe not so much, but a great lyric along with a great melody is obviously what you’re looking to create. That’s why I’ve had such a great relationship with Dean Dillon. I think he’s the best melody guy in the business. His lyrics are great as well, so there you go. There is no specific message or mood that I’ll be shooting for. I just want to put together a bunch of good songs that stand out individually.”
Strait is also considering a documentary, chronicling his massively successful career, which has spanned more than 40 years.
“I have given serious thought to a documentary, although I tend to procrastinate these days so right now a thought is all it is,” Strait reveals. “I have not thought about a movie though.”
The Texan headlined his final tour, The Cowboy Rides Away, in 2014. Since then, he has been performing at various stadiums, including a Strait to Vegas residency at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and a planned run of stadium shows in 2023, with Chris Stapleton, and Little Big Town serving as the opening act. Although Strait enjoys being on the road, he also enjoys living life at a slower pace than what headlining a major tour allows.
“It’s kind of a Catch-22 situation for me,” concedes the singer. “I miss it sometimes, but I know if I went hard like I used to, then I would wind up burning myself out. I think I’m on the right pace now, but I do love playing live shows. There’s nothing like it and words can’t describe the feeling you get playing for a big audience. I’ve got great fans and I count my blessings that I’m still able to do that. I’m going to do some stadiums with Chris Stapleton this year and I can’t wait for that. I love doing shows with Chris. He’s such a huge talent and a really genuine, down-to-earth person.”
As for Strait’s successes, which include having more No. 1 singles than any other country artist in history, Strait says it is largely because he has had the same singular focus since the beginning of his career.
“Staying focused and believing that what you’re doing is good is important; you have to believe in yourself,” Strait says. “I always felt like I knew what worked for me and what didn’t. That might not be the key to longevity – but who can honestly even say what might be? I just always knew that I wanted a career like Merle Haggard or George Jones. I wanted to still be relevant when I got older. Those guys are still relevant and always will be in my book.”
Tickets to Strait’s upcoming shows with Stapleton can be found at GeorgeStrait.com.