Raising Cattle by Day, Playing Honky-Tonks by Night | Dzaki Sukarno
Dzaki Sukarno joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CMA Fest 2026 for a conversation about ranch life in New Mexico, Texas honky-tonks, traditional country music, becoming a father, and writing songs he hopes people will still be listening to decades from now.
Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dzaki has built his sound around the music and culture he grew up with. His life isn't simply influenced by Western culture, either. When he's not playing shows or writing songs, you might actually find him working cattle.
That combination of ranch life and country music has become an important part of the artist he's becoming.
Dzaki Sukarno brings his New Mexico ranching roots and love of traditional country music to Heart of the Gulch during CMA Fest 2026.
Working Cattle in New Mexico
Before talking about Nashville or new releases, Dzaki takes Heart of the Gulch back home to New Mexico.
He shares stories from working cattle on a 37,000-acre ranch, including the realities of branding season and the long days that come with ranch life.
Those experiences inevitably find their way into his music.
Rather than trying to manufacture a Western image, Dzaki is writing from a world he actually knows—one shaped by cattle, open land, small communities, honky-tonks and the Southwest.
The Story Behind “Lone Star Without You”
Dzaki also gives us a look at his upcoming music, including “Lone Star Without You.”
The song fits naturally into his traditional approach to country music, drawing from the kind of storytelling and melodies that have influenced him throughout his life.
For Dzaki, creating something new doesn't mean abandoning what made country music special in the first place.
It means finding his own way to carry it forward.
Marty Robbins, George Jones & Timeless Country Music
Ask Dzaki about his influences and some legendary names quickly enter the conversation.
Marty Robbins and George Jones remain major inspirations, while the music of artists like Tracy Lawrence has also helped shape his approach to country.
But it's not simply nostalgia.
Dzaki is fascinated by why certain country songs survive generation after generation. His goal is to create music with that same kind of staying power—songs that won't feel disposable once the next trend arrives.
That's a high bar.
It's also exactly the point.
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza sits down with Dzaki Sukarno at CMA Fest 2026 to talk ranching, honky-tonks, fatherhood and keeping traditional country alive.
Why Traditional Country Never Dies
Country music continues to change, but Dzaki believes there will always be an audience looking for the traditional side of the genre.
Fiddles. Steel guitar. Waltzes. Two-stepping.
And, of course, honky-tonks.
Dzaki talks about performing in Texas honky-tonks and why those rooms remain such an important part of the culture surrounding country music.
It's music designed not only to be streamed through headphones, but to fill a dance floor.
Dzaki Sukarno talks “Lone Star Without You,” Marty Robbins, George Jones and his goal of creating country songs that stand the test of time.
Rancher, Musician and New Father
There's another major change happening away from the stage.
Dzaki is also navigating life as a new father while continuing to build his country music career.
Balancing family, ranch work, songwriting, touring and performing has added another dimension to his life—and another source of perspective for the stories he'll eventually tell through music.
His surroundings may be changing, but the philosophy behind the music remains remarkably straightforward.
Make something honest.
Make something timeless.
And make country music that still sounds like country music.
From raising cattle in New Mexico to playing honky-tonks across Texas and bringing his music to CMA Fest in Nashville, Dzaki Sukarno is building his career without leaving the world that inspired it behind.
Watch Dzaki Sukarno on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Dzaki Sukarno interview from CMA Fest 2026 as he joins Tony Mendoza to discuss New Mexico ranch life, “Lone Star Without You,” Marty Robbins, George Jones, traditional country music, Texas honky-tonks, fatherhood and what's coming next.
Interview Chapters
0:00 — Dzaki Sukarno Interview | CMA Fest 2026
0:38 — Working Cattle on a 37,000-Acre Ranch in New Mexico
1:38 — How Ranch Life Inspires Dzaki Sukarno's Music
2:39 — The Story Behind “Lone Star Without You”
3:13 — Why Marty Robbins & George Jones Still Inspire Him
4:20 — Writing Country Songs That Stand the Test of Time
5:18 — Why Traditional Country Music Never Dies
6:16 — Honky-Tonks, Two-Stepping & Live Country Shows
7:12 — New Music, Waltzes & Traditional Country Revival
8:05 — Becoming a Father While Chasing Country Music
8:50 — What's Next for Dzaki Sukarno in 2026
Tony Mendoza and Dzaki Sukarno together following their Heart of the Gulch interview at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville.
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
