Jon Pardi, one of today’s top country artists, just released his latest track and video for “Hey California.” The song stays true to Pardi’s traditional country roots but pushes some boundaries with its edgy tone. It’s the newest single from his wildly successful fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood.
The new music video, filmed off the coast of his native California, gives off a 2025 West Coast breeziness combined with ‘70s-inspired vocals.
The song, written by Ben Johnson, Jordan Minton, Hunter Phelps, and John Charles Reno Prentice, travels along a line between timeless country narratives and vibrant coastal energy. Country Living praised the album for how Pardi “steps beyond the lines of classic country in pursuit of a grittier, more layered record that prioritized stories over trendy sounds.” The video complements this vision, with Pardi’s return to the Golden State serving as the backdrop for a radiant journey full of nostalgia and new beginnings.
Pardi is currently headlining his Honkytonk Hollywood tour, bringing his “high-octane, neo-traditional country sound” (Billboard) to packed venues across the nation. Along for the ride are special guests Jake Worthington and Colby Acuff. After more than a decade of electrifying stages, from honkytonks to international headlining slots, Pardi is riding high with over 9.3 billion global streams and a reputation for breaking the mold—without abandoning his signature honkytonk style.
Touring Takes Energy for Jon Pardi
In his recent appearance on the Country Muscle Podcast with host Jeff Tomko, Pardi pulled back the curtain on the rigors of touring and the unique energy of live performance. “You hit that high you can’t get anywhere else until you step on stage,” Pardi reflected, describing the adrenaline and endorphin rush that can only be generated at a live show. He detailed his pre-show routine—stretching, recalibrating with his band, even a celebratory shot or burst of Red Bull—and the physical toll that stringing together consecutive shows can take, especially on his voice by the third night. “You’re giving it everything you can, trying to stay focused, trying to push through it, and sweating, but it’s the crowds lifting you through that,” he shared.
After the lights dim and the crowd dissipates, Pardi admits he needs two to three hours to cool down before he can even think about sleep—a testament to the all-consuming rush of performing night after night. As his HONKYTONK HOLLYWOOD run continues, fans can expect more nights of hard-hitting, story-driven country and the kinetic energy only Jon Pardi can deliver.
Watch the music video for “Hey California” below and catch the Country Muscle Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean for a deeper look behind the scenes with Jon Pardi. For tickets and tour dates, visit JonPardi.com.