Texas native Donice Morace discovered a love of music at the age of six when his father bought him his first guitar. That love was then cemented when he saw the one and only George Strait while a student at Texas A&M and, from that very moment, Morace knew that he found is purpose in life: music. Along his career, Morace has opened for county stars including Lonestar, Kenny Chesney, Kevin Fowler, Aaron Watson, Cody Johnson and one of his idols, Merle Haggard. He released his debut self-titled EP in 2017 followed by his debut album Long Live the Cowboy two years later. His artistry and dedication to his craft was acknowledged in 2022 when Morace received the “Emerging Artist of the Year” Award at the Texas Country Music Awards.
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.