Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed that he is exploring the possibility of doing more with music, with traditional country among the genres he is particularly interested in pursuing.
Speaking with Brian Hiatt of Rolling Stone, Johnson discussed his musical ambitions following the release of “Your Dad,” a song featured on the new album Moana: Voices Across the Ocean.
Johnson said music has remained an important part of his life despite his career taking him through professional wrestling, Hollywood and numerous other projects. “As you roll along in life, I’ve been real fortunate to be part of some really cool projects, and love it. But music has always been such an anchor for me.”
One area that particularly interests him is country music. “Very specifically in genres that I love, like country music, traditional country music. And we’re exploring that now.”
Johnson did not announce an album or any specific future project, but said he has reached a stage in his career where he wants to pursue things that genuinely excite him rather than simply taking opportunities because they are available. “I’ve reached this point in my life and in my career where, honestly, Brian, when I wake up in the morning, I swing my legs out of bed, and whatever the thing is that I’m doing, I wanna feel like I’m just running towards it.”
Johnson said there is particular satisfaction in creating something primarily for himself rather than beginning with expectations from studios, companies or audiences. “The most gratifying things we do are when it’s for us, because we have enough pressure to deliver for so many other entities.”
He acknowledged that commercial considerations inevitably surround much of his work, particularly the major movies he has spent years making. “You make films, especially the big four-quadrant movies, you want them to do well.”
“Your Dad,” however, was different. Johnson said the song was created for his daughters rather than with sales, streaming figures or other measures of success in mind. “But this song, for me, is just a song to my daughters. Where there’s no pressure of an expectation to deliver something that, ‘Well, how are the sales, and how’s the box office? And how’s the streams?’”
For Johnson, that made the project considerably more personal. “It’s just from me to them.”
While Johnson stopped short of confirming that a full-fledged music career is coming, his comments indicate that he is actively exploring where his longstanding interest in music, and particularly traditional country, could take him next.
