From finding his love for country music in his cousin’s truck to getting his guitar at the age of twelve, Dailey was always destined to be a singer and musician. In 2019 he signed his first publishing deal with Warner Chappell propelling his career in Music City.

After being on the road with Old Dominion, earning 400K streams on Spotify alone for his song, “Burns Like Whiskey” and releasing his newest single, “24” I sat down with Johnny to talk about music, what he enjoys doing on his days off and what T.V. show he recommends.

BC: Were you interested in any other genre of music before discovering country music?

JD: “Yes for sure, I was big into CCM since I grew up playing guitar and singing in church. I also loved listening to a lot of my dad's rock albums around the house and in his truck.”

BC: Were you interested in learning the guitar before you were gifted a guitar?

JD: “I always loved music but playing it never really crossed my mind, so I'm really thankful my dad put that guitar in front of me. I'm not sure if I would have ever started playing if he hadn’t done that.”

BC: What was the first song you learned on the guitar?

JD: “I think it was a Third Day song, I've Always Loved You.”

BC: How were you trying to pursue your music?

I grew up in Argo, Alabama on my family’s farm and spent most of my time hunting, fishing and running around with my hometown buddies. I first heard a lot of country music riding around in my cousin's truck with him. He would always be playing music by George Strait, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley - guys like that. My dad gave me a guitar when I was in my early teens and I worked on those skills through high school.” Dailey explains. “After I graduated I started really wanting to explore songwriting and moving to Nashville. I went to college in Charleston, South Carolina and played cover gigs at some local bars there and spent a lot of time really honing my songwriting craft. After I was done with school there, I headed back to Alabama for a few years where I met my wife and after we got married we decided to make the jump and give Nashville a shot. It's been working out great so far.”

BC: Was/is there something other than music you are equally or more passionate about?

JD: “I grew up in a family of builders. So I spent most of my time growing up in a workshop learning to work with metal and wood. I still love doing that today and I think it's a good balance alongside music. One is always a release from the other and it keeps me sharp on both. I really couldn’t imagine a life without some of both in it.”

BC: Your new release is “24” what can you tell us about that song?

JD: “I wrote that song with Daniel Ross and Benjy Davis. It's a special one to me and I really believe in the message. It’s a song about how life is short and the importance of soaking up the moments with the person/people we love.”

BC: Is this song a tease of what fans will hear coming from you next or are you going in a different direction?

JD: “Yeah for sure. I'm excited about the next few songs we are releasing in the first part of 2022.”

BC: What are/were you most excited for with the release of this song?

JD: “The music video. I traveled back to Charleston to shoot the video with my good buddies, the Thomas brothers. I've known them for about 8 years now and we have always wanted to work on a project together. So this was full circle and I think they really nailed the video and it makes the song connect even more.”

BC: What was it like opening up for Old Dominion on a couple of their tour dates?

JD: “It was incredible and such a dream come true for me to open up for an artist like that. I respect their songwriting and the way they have built their career. It was great to watch their show after we played and you always learn something from watching them perform. I’m really grateful for that opportunity.”

BC: What’s it like for you to be on stage singing your songs?

JD: “There’s nothing like playing with a full band live and being able to “feel” the music. I also enjoy getting to interact with the crowd. Playing live really helps me figure out which song I want to go into the studio and record.”

BC: What does being a country singer mean to you as an artist?

JD: “The country genre is so unique because it's all about the story telling. I feel a big responsibility with each song I release because they have the power to connect with someone else in a real way. I can't release a song if I don’t relate to it or haven’t lived it.”

BC: If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be?

JD: “Flying for sure!”

BC: Favorite thing to do on a day off and why?

JD: “I love woodworking, so spending some time in my workshop working on my guitar or building a piece of furniture.”

BC: Favorite place to eat?

JD: “Edley’s Bar B Que in Nashville”.

BC: What T.V. show would you recommend right now?

JD: “If you haven’t seen Yellowstone, it's a must.”

BC: Thanksgiving or Christmas? Why?

JD: “Hard to pick but I would go Christmas. Can't beat the smell of a real Christmas tree in the house!”