Welcome back to the Lonely Town Podcast, where Derek and Jimmy explore the music, stories, and world of Brandon Flowers and The Killers.

With Brandon's upcoming solo album Thrasher just around the corner, Derek and Jimmy break down the newly released trailer, discuss its striking imagery, and explain why this project already feels different from anything Brandon has released before.

From classic cars and dusty highways to small-town diners, county fairs, and the familiar backdrop of Mount Nebo, the trailer paints a picture of the Utah Brandon Flowers remembers growing up. Derek and Jimmy connect the visual callbacks to Pressure Machine, discuss Brandon's relationship with Nephi, and explore why Thrasher feels like an even more personal continuation of that story.

The conversation then takes an unexpected but fascinating turn into the world of classic country music. Rather than simply reviewing the trailer, the guys share the artists, albums, and songs they believe helped shape Brandon's musical upbringing—including legends like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and The Highwaymen.

If you've never listened to traditional country music, this episode serves as a roadmap for understanding the storytelling, emotion, and authenticity that appear to be at the heart of Thrasher.

Along the way, Derek shares stories from growing up in Nephi, working at a local truck stop, discovering country music, traveling throughout the Southwest with his father, and why experiencing different cultures makes both music—and life—more meaningful.

Whether you've already embraced Brandon's new direction or you're still unsure what to expect, this episode is designed to prepare you for the journey before Thrasher arrives.

The guys discuss why understanding classic country music may help fans appreciate Thrasher.

Artists discussed include:

Topics include:

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Produced & Edited by Derek Everitt