After a decade of defining country radio as one-half of the multi-platinum, award-winning duo Thompson Square, Shawna Thompson is finally introducing the world to her individual artistry. In an intimate sit-down at Americana Fest, Thompson joins host Jason English to discuss her long-awaited solo debut—a project she’s been waiting to record since arriving in Nashville in 1996.

The conversation highlights three pivotal aspects of her new chapter:

While Thompson Square earned ACM and CMA Vocal Duo of the Year honors for hits like "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not," Shawna’s heart remained tethered to the "super traditional honky tonk" sound she first brought to town. This album represents a return to those roots, featuring legendary contributors like Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs. Thompson notes that the delay was a blessing: "I feel like with age you're older and wiser... I have a lot more appreciation for country music now even than I did back then".

The record serves as a profound tribute to her late father, who passed in 2012. From a Buck Owens cover of "Together Again"—a song they played together in family bands—to the co-written "Bamaclay," the music is steeped in memory. She recalls being his "shadow" growing up, working on trucks and playing music in honky-tonks, an upbringing that shaped her "well-rounded" artistic perspective.

Thompson speaks candidly about the trials behind the music, including a 25-year marriage in "dog years" and a grueling recovery from back surgery. Now, her curiosity is focused on her eight-year-old son, watching him discover music through an old-school lens. "It wasn't the vinyl that he was interested in. It was the cassettes," she says, marveling at his independent spirit