Will Hoge Surveys Political, Cultural Realities On ‘My American Dream’

Will Hoge

Nashville singer/songwriter Will Hoge returns with a new album, My American Dream, on Oct. 5. The release features eight songs of political commentary, turning a critical eye on today’s crisis of conscience and culture.

The first track completed for the album is “Thoughts & Prayers,” a song inspired by recent mass school shootings and the response from politicians. Throughout the album, he delves into the situations of homeless heartland workers (“My American Dream”) and immigrants crossing the border (“Illegal Line”).

“At the end of the day, that’s really what folks are after, is just to be treated with some respect,” he says. He knows how fragile life can be, having been left in critical condition by a scooter accident 10 years ago. “I was on the brink of things being a disaster. I started to see how quickly, even someone who’s working hard, can end up in a situation and not see a way out.”

Recorded in Nashville at Sound Emporium, Hoge incorporated his touring band into his permanent lineup, including Thom Donavan (lead guitar), Chris Griffiths (bass) and Allen Jones (drums). Hoge oversaw production, while producer Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Ray Davies) was enlisted for mixing duties.

Hoge’s My American Dream tour starts Sept. 18 in Washington DC. Prior to that, he will perform at the Americana Music Festival in Nashville. In October, he joins Social Distortion for a U.S. run.

Gilded Walls
Stupid Kids
Still A Southern Man
Oh Mr. Barnum
Thoughts & Prayers
My American Dream
The Illegal Line
Nikki’s A Republican Now