Introduction
Released on September 11, 2012, “Moonshine Road” is the third single from Kix Brooks’s debut solo album New to This Town, issued through Arista Nashville . After nearly three decades of mainstream success as one half of the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn, Brooks stepped confidently into a solo career following their 2010 split .
Deeply autobiographical, “Moonshine Road” draws its inspiration from Brooks’s Louisiana roots, specifically the wild backwoods locales of Lake Bistineau. In an interview with Taste of Country, Brooks explained that the song showcases a place “he and his buddies used to decorate with mud and cypress trees” — a place soaked in nostalgia and youthful adventure .
The track is musically anchored in traditional country — twangy guitar, steady percussion, and a melody that balances reflection and raw energy. Lyrically, it paints vivid snapshots: moonlit nights, homemade spirits, barefoot freedom, and the thrill of reckless youth. The chorus’ refrain, “Down on Moonshine Road,” serves as both a celebration of those untamed memories and a universal nod to summers of youthful escape.
Upon its release, “Moonshine Road” achieved moderate chart success, peaking at #42 on Hot Country Songs and #45 on Country Airplay, illustrating Brooks’s ability to stand on his own in the fiercely competitive country landscape . The song’s accompanying music video—directed by Aaron Thomas—matches its gritty, down-home storytelling and visually plunges the viewer into rural Louisiana’s humid, nocturnal atmosphere .
Ultimately, “Moonshine Road” is both a nostalgic trip and a personal declaration. It marks Kix Brooks’s emergence as a solo artist unafraid to mine his past, channeling intimate stories through classic country instrumentation — a fitting continuation of his decade-spanning career and a testament to his deep connection to Southern storytelling and soul.