Austin singer-songwriter Monte Warden and his band, The Wagoneers, have released their first EP in 35 years. The project arrives on the heels of a successful performance at the Grand Ole Opry and the release of the single "Doghouse Flowers."
The rockabilly roots of "Doghouse Flowers"
The new musical directioon for Monte Warden & The Wagoneers was sparked by a phrase coined by Warden's wife, Brandy, during her time in radio sales. According to the report, the term "doghouse flowers" referred to a colleague who frequently received bouquets from a partner following arguments. This specific imagery became the foundation for a track that Monte Warden describes as a "straight-up rockabilly song," drawing inspiration from early pioneers like Carl Perkins, Johnny Burnette , and Elvis Presley.
The song "Doghouse Flowers" was recorded in January and officially released in March. As the report notes, the track began gaining significant momentum after Monte Warden & The Wagoneers performed at the Grand Ole Opry in April, providing the necessary catalyst for the band to release a full EP.
Brandy Warden's Nashville A&R influence
The creative process for the new EP was heavily shaped by Brandy Warden's professional background as an A&R executive at major Nashville labels. Monte Warden credits his wife's industry ear for helping him select material that complements his vocal range,specifically citing the track "Yesterday Stopped By" as a highight. Warden believes this particular song represents some of the best singing of his recording career, largely because Brandy's expertise helped align the composition with his natural voice.
This partnership highlights a shift in Monte Warden's approach to songwriting. While Warden focuses on the craft of the song itself, Brandy Warden provides the commercial and technical perspective necessary to ensure the recording resonates with a modern audience while maintaining its traditional roots.
A musical lineage stretching back to 1838 Waterloo
Monte Warden's current success is rooted in a deep, multi-generational connection to the Austin area. His family originally settled in the region in 1838, back when the settlement was known as Waterloo. This lifelong tie to the city's cultural fabric began early for the musician, who started writing songs at age 12 and formed his first serious band by 15, eventually winning several Chronicle Awards.
Today,Monte Warden remains a fixture of the local scene, performing at the Broken Spoke on the final Friday of every month and scheduling upcoming dates at the Parker Jazz Club on August 20. This enduring presence is part of a broader trend of Austin's legacy artists maintaining relevance through community support and initiatives like "We Are Austin," which continues to spotlight local talent.
The 16th visit to the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry has served as a recurring milestone for Monte Warden & The Wagoneers. Following their momentum-building appearance in April, the group is scheduled to return to the legendary Nashville venue this coming Saturday. this upcoming performance will mark Monte Warden's 16th appearance at the Opry , cementing his status as a respected figure in the country and rockabilly circuits.
The remaining songs "in the can"
While the new EP provides a glimpse into the band's current sound, several details remain unconfirmed. Monte Warden mentioned that the band had "a few more songs in the can" prior to the EP release, but the report does not specify how many additional tracks exist or if they are slated for a full-length album. Furthermore, while the role of Brandy Warden is well-documented, the specific current lineup of The Wagoneers remains unnamed, leaving the exact composition of the performing band an open question.
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