Country Thunder Music Festival: Where the Road Meets the Wild

Ian Munsick, Annie Bosko and Jackson Dean share how life outdoors and on tour keeps them grounded—and what they’re bringing to this year’s Country Thunder festival stage.

Life on tour moves fast, but for some of the artists it’s the moments offstage that keep everything grounded. In this Q&A, Munsick, Bosko and Dean share how the outdoors shapes their perspective, what they’ve learned from life on the road, and the small rituals that keep them steady between cities.

With Country Thunder Festival, now in its 33^rd year, just around the corner, they also give a glimpse into the energy they’re bringing to the five-stop tour, and what fans can expect when they hit the stage.

READ MORE: Lainey Wilson: Raised on Faith, Family & the Outdoors

Life Outdoors

When you actually get a break from touring, what does a perfect day outdoors look like for you—no schedule, no obligations?

Ian Munsick: Renting a cabin on the Big Horn River in Southern Montana and fly fishing all day. It’s the epitome of peace.

Annie Bosko: Wake up, say my prayers, and do a little meditation—ideally outside. It doesn't always happen, but I try. Then I’ll go on a long hike. Hiking is my favorite form of exercise; I could do it all day.

Jackson Dean: Other than basking in bird song and sunshine, I’d say my perfect day outdoors would be trail riding with my woman on the back of my 850 (ATV) and Elk (the dog) hitting Mach 9 (32 mph).

Connection to the Outdoors

How does an outdoorsy lifestyle shape your music, even when you’re not writing about it directly?

Ian Munsick: The majority of my music is directly inspired by the outdoors. Growing up in Wyoming, my folks would turn my brothers and me loose on the ranch, surrounded by mountains, canyons, creeks, and animals. Moving to Nashville to pursue music was a big change from that lifestyle, and I find myself drawing from nostalgia and a longing to return to that way of life. Those emotions are incredible creative fuel for my songwriting.

Annie Bosko: I get my best song and career ideas when I’m outside in nature. Anytime I feel stuck—whether it’s a lyric or recording—I’ll go for a walk, and somehow it all clicks into place.

Jackson Dean: I like songs that I can go get lost to. Even if my boots are touching the concrete, my mind is on the timberline. It’s just in me. It’s in us all. The wilderness has power like no other and is a constant source of inspiration. As artists, we are constantly trying to take people to another place. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have seen so many different parts of the world, and one thing remains the same. When it is beautiful, it’s beautiful. That’s where I wanna go, and where I want to take you.

On the Road

Touring can feel like its own version of the wild—what’s something you’ve learned about yourself from life on the road that you didn’t expect?

Ian Munsick: I've learned that I don't do well when I have nothing to do. I'm the kind of guy that needs to be productive; otherwise, I feel like I'm wasting my time—and there is a lot of downtime on tour if you allow it.

Annie Bosko: I’ve finally learned how to take naps, which is huge for me. I’m a big fan of Joe Dispenza and his meditation work. I travel with a 3D eye mask and a neck pillow, put my AirPods in, start a meditation, and usually crash within 30 minutes. I like to think I’m subliminally re-training my brain while I sleep.

Jackson Dean: Something I’ve learned about myself from touring is that even though I really love to be on the road, I really love coming home, too. Both things fill my cup in different ways.

Road Rituals

Do you have any go-to road rituals or traditions—something you do to stay grounded when you’re constantly moving city to city?

Ian Munsick: I stay busy by writing songs, making our live show better, jogging, golfing, and playing pickleball with my band. It helps everyone stay active and builds morale and camaraderie.

Annie Bosko: I pray and make the sign of the cross before every show. Then I’ll jump up and down, maybe drop a few F-bombs (unless kids are around), and off to the races. I’m a bit of a dichotomy.

Jackson Dean: Anytime that we can, we try to get out and find a National Park or a waterfall so we can soak in all that particular corner of the world has to offer.

Country Thunder Music Festival

What makes the Country Thunder crowd different from other festivals, and what kind of energy are you expecting this year?

Ian Munsick: This will be my second Country Thunder, so honestly, I'm not an expert on the crowd yet. All I can tell you is that it's my job to make sure the crowd has a good time.

Annie Bosko: Country Thunder has a reputation for being off-the-charts energy, and this is my first one, so I can’t wait to experience it firsthand.

Jackson Dean: No matter what the temperature, the Country Thunder crowd is always ready to party. I have been scorched alongside these folks in the AZ sun a few times now, and I can’t wait to do it all again this year.

Looking Ahead to the Show

Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from your sets at Country Thunder, and what are you personally most excited for when you hit that stage?

Ian Munsick: Every time my band and I step on stage, our goal is to make sure the crowd walks away saying that was one of the best shows they've ever seen. Prepare for a whole bunch of western bangers and a heavy dose of fiddle.

Annie Bosko: I lay it all on the line. I treat every show like it’s my last—no matter the stage, I perform like it’s an arena. I want to give people a real show. If I can make someone feel something and help them escape whatever they’re going through, then I’ve done my job.

Jackson Dean: Every time I step on stage, I give everything I have to give. I’m excited to leave it all in the desert at Country Thunder!

Country Thunder Music Festival Dates & Locations

The Country Thunder Music Festival kicks off April 9 and runs through the end of July: