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Kip Moore Talks Friendship With Ashley McBryde And Fire On Wheels Tour

Kip Moore: “I think it is the little things we do to keep the crowd on their toes. We are a live band all the time.”

Kip Moore is officially kicking off his highly anticipated Fire On Wheels Tour. The “More Girls Like You” singer stepped under the spotlight tonight (Sept. 8) In Salt Lake City, Utah, with labelmates Boy Named Banjo

The hitmaker previously sat down with CMT to discuss the nationwide trek and his upcoming fifth studio album featuring country music star Ashley McBryde. Moore warned fans to buckle up, as he’s bringing his “secret sauce” to the live shows. 

“We’re going to try something musically that we have never done before. We have never gone anywhere close to this style of music that we are going to try out with Boy Named Banjo,” said Moore. “I think it is the little things we do to keep the crowd on their toes. We are a live band all the time. So many bands are strapped to what their computer tells them, and it’s a time-coded show. We don’t have any of that. We don’t have anything anchoring us. There is no ceiling for us, which means that the show can reach heights that we never thought it could reach,” he pointed out. 

Since Moore and his crew don’t depend on bells and whistles to push the setlist along, he said anything could happen. 

“We can also bomb because it’s live. There will be some nights that we’re off for whatever reason,” Moore declared. “There will also be awesome nights, that we’re on fire. I think that’s what our fans want and love. Just knowing that they will see that really special moment.” 

The chart-topping artist continued to reveal why he called in the five-piece band – Boy Named Banjo. The Nashville-raised group known for the contemporary country sound is comprised of Barton Davies [banjo], William Reames [guitar/ harmonica], Sam McCullough [drums], Ford Garrard [bass], and Willard Logan [mandolin acoustic/ electric guitar]. 

“This band I’m bringing out is crazy talent,” praised Moore before touching upon their musicianship. “I try my best always to get artists that I believe in musically, not so much an artist that will help me sell tickets,” he stressed. 

With a mysterious smile, the vocalist confessed that they “already have stuff up their sleeves” and will join forces every night on stage. 

“We’ve just been going back and forth and thinking about unique things we can do together on stage,” shared Moore. “So, trying to think of songs that haven’t been done a million times. It’s also fun for us, and maybe I can turn the audience on to perhaps a particular band in music that they didn’t know much about. It’s not so much about picking a current song to get the crowd going, but it’s about the musicality of a certain song that will work with this band. 

Moore confirmed that he will not be teasing the music from his forthcoming record, as he is keeping the tracklist locked and sealed until the release.

“I’ve been holding it very tight,” he said about his new music. “Three more songs individually will come out this year. Then you’ll [the fans] will get a whole record early next year – 12 awesome songs,” Moore confirmed. 

The project will include a reimaged version of the 2010 hit “Crazy One More Time,” latest release “If I Was Your Lover,” and “One Heartbeat” featuring McBryde. The duet serves as Moore’s first recorded vocal collaboration on a studio album. The conversation surrounding the duet sparked backstage in Alaska when the two were on the road together.  

Moore said that the partnership was a no-brainer, as he admires her character and artistry. 

“I’ve always felt like she’s a sister to me,” Moore exclusively told CMT. “I got so much love for that girl. I love how raw her emotions are. You’re not trying to peel back these layers. She’s there for you. She reminds me so much of the people I grew up with, and I think that we relate like that. We have a very similar upbringing.” 

Moore and McBryde intertwined their signature sounds at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium in early 2021. During a socially distanced affair, McBryde joined Moore on stage to tackle “Janie Blu.” 

The songs will follow Moore’s critically acclaimed “Wild World (Deluxe),” an expanded version of his 2020 record. Until country music fans have the well-rounded collection at their fingertips, can they catch Moore live and in person on his high-energy tour. Tickets are available for purchase, here. 

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