We recently caught up with Morace to talk about his musical journey, his latest album The Life I Love and the life he loves, and more
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
DM: I come from a little town just outside of Beaumont, Tx called Vidor. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 6 yrs old. I’ve been described as a Neo-Traditionalist and I’m very proud of that.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
DM: There’s so many that influenced me. Just from my hometown there’s Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd, and Clay Walker. And then there’s Kevin Fowler and Cody Johnson who really helped me refine what I was doing and also opened doors that may have never been opened before.
CN: How did you first become interested in country music?
DM: It was always playing in my dad’s vehicle growing up, but seeing George Strait live for the first time as a teen sealed my fate.
CN: ‘This Life I Love’ resonates with listeners for its authenticity. How did you go about picking the tracks for this album?
DM: With this particular album, I wanted to basically bring our live show into the studio. I wanted energized honkytonk sounds that could also translate to radio. My writing partners, Mark Nesler, Tony Martin, and Mike McQuerry really helped me make that happen.
CN: What is your favorite song from ‘This Life I Love’?
DM: That’s a tough one. Gun to my head, I’d have to say I may be a little more partial to “Goin’, Goin'”. But they all mean a lot to me.
CN: ‘This Life I Love’ highlights the theme of the simple things in life. What is your favorite simple pleasure?
DM: Spending quality time with close friends and family.
CN: How much of ‘This Life I Love’ is drawn from your personal experiences?
DM: I’ve literally lived every track on this album (laughing). Maybe that’s why I love this album so much.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process?
DM: I had a hook and guitar riff for each before I started writing. We just built around that. I think a great hook and catchy riff is essential for all well written songs.
CN: What is one element you hope listeners pull from ‘This Life I Love’?
DM: That you can still create fresh takes on honkytonk music and make it radio friendly.
CN: You have been performing and touring a lot this year. What is your favorite part of live performances?
DM: We really have branched out this year and I’ve noticed that I really love playing in new markets. It’s a special satisfaction winning over new fans and seeing their newfound passion for what you’re doing.
CN: Do you have a dream venue or favorite place you have performed so far?
DM: I’ve always had The Opry in Nashville at the top of my bucket list of venues I want to play. Being a traditionalist, it may not be the biggest in size, but it is so important to me. A close second would be performing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
DM: I’d love to do a collaboration with Cody Johnson.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
DM: Alan Jackson opening for Reba. That was an amazing show!!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
DM: “Gentleman”. It’s just the way I was raised and I’m pretty grateful for that.
CN: What can fans look forward to this summer?
DM: Brand new music coming out this summer along with some great tour dates up in the northern states.
This Life I Love is available for download and streaming here.
For more information, visit Donice Morace’s website donicemorace.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.