The Mountain Goat, Western Country & Red Rocks | Ian Munsick
Ian Munsick has spent years bringing the sound and culture of the American West back into modern country music—and he's continuing that mission with his new album, The Mountain Goat.
The Wyoming native joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CRS 2026 in Nashville to talk about his Western roots, songs like “Geronimo,” life on the road and the journey that's taken him all the way to headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Ian Munsick discusses The Mountain Goat, “Geronimo” and bringing his Wyoming and Western roots into modern country music.
The Mountain Goat Era
Ian's new album The Mountain Goat represents the next chapter of a sound he's been developing throughout his career.
Rather than simply borrowing Western imagery, Ian's music comes directly from the lifestyle and culture he grew up around in Wyoming.
That authenticity has helped him build a national audience while introducing more country fans to a sound rooted in the West.
“Geronimo” & Keeping the West in Country
We also dive into “Geronimo” and Ian's approach to blending traditional Western influences with modern country production.
Tony Mendoza interviews country artist Ian Munsick for Heart of the Gulch during CRS 2026 in Nashville.
For Ian, keeping Western music alive isn't about recreating the past. It's about taking those influences, stories and traditions and finding ways to move them forward.
It's a philosophy that's become central to his identity as an artist.
Learning From Lainey Wilson & Cody Johnson
Life on the road has given Ian the opportunity to tour alongside major country artists including Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson.
He reflects on what he's learned watching other artists perform, connect with fans and build careers capable of filling increasingly larger venues.
We also talk about touring with artists like Jake Worthington and why surrounding himself with authentic country voices matters.
Ian Munsick reflects on touring with Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson, his connection to Deadwood and reaching the stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
From Broadway to Red Rocks
Ian's career has taken him everywhere from Nashville's Broadway to Deadwood, South Dakota—and the two experiences couldn't be more different.
He shares stories about the hungriest period of his career, his connection to Deadwood and what inspired him to open his own cowboy bar there.
Then there's Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Headlining one of America's most iconic venues represents just how far Ian has come from those early days.
With The Mountain Goat opening another chapter, Ian Munsick isn't simply bringing Western back to country music—he's showing how big Western country can become.
Watch Ian Munsick on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Ian Munsick interview from CRS 2026 as he joins Tony Mendoza to discuss The Mountain Goat, “Geronimo,” Western country music, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Deadwood and headlining Red Rocks.
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.
