Farmer, father, musician, cinephile, and Tom Cruise superfan, Willard’s own Mr. Dallas Jones, graciously submitted to a bit of Q&A this week. Please enjoy…
Do you ultimately spend more time farming or playing music?
“Definitely more time farming, although the hourly wage for music is vastly superior.”
Approx how many shows/how much time do you spend playing shows per year?
“Usually set between 220-240 shows.”
Do you ever find those two things in conflict with one another?
“It's a tough balance sometimes for sure but, for the most part, I am usually able to keep a full gig schedule and still maintain my farming obligations.”
I’ve been told you do a lot of writing on the tractor. Tell me about that process.
“To pass the time, I will often string words together using voice memos on my phone. Maybe there's a melody, maybe not. The song isn't really created until I get home at the end of the day and get off the tractor. I definitely don't do it as much as I used to, but I would guess that 90% of the songs I've written (around 350) were written on a tractor without an instrument in hand.”
You have a great affinity for your fellow Willard native Chappell Roan. What do you find most compelling about her music, and what do you find most interesting about her rising from your own place?
“It's definitely a trip to witness! I remember hearing about her a decade ago, but honestly not following it very closely. Then, all of a sudden, she was massive and everywhere!
I love her song structure, and her lyrical/chord progressions. Even when the intended subject matter may not be something I can relate to, I always find something on a deeper level that I can connect with. I've never met her in person, but honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if at some point, our paths crossed. I mean, come on… it's Springfield!
I know her dad a little bit, and every once in a while, he and I will message back-and-forth about something music related. They seem like pretty down to earth people, and it's interesting to hear their perspective.”
Between the two Top Guns, which is your favorite?
“Top Gun: Maverick" is vastly superior to the OG "Top Gun". It's not even close, imo. I actually just saw Maverick (again) in the theater today!”
What is the best Tom Cruise movie and, also, what is his best role?
“I've gotta break this down into the three stages of his career…
Beginning: "A Few Good Men"
Middle: "Minority Report"
End: "Mission Impossible - Fallout"
I think his best role as an actor is probably "Jerry Maguire" or "Magnolia". I know a lot of people probably say "Born On The Fourth of July", but I honestly found it a little too over the top and borderline comedic.
I also should go on record as saying movie for movie, his catalogue is without question the most consistent and enjoyable of any actor we have been given. I can't think of a single movie of his that I haven't enjoyed and, most of them, I absolutely love. I know he gives a lot of people the "ick" (probably for good reason), but the movies he has created have given me infinite joy.”
FINAL QUESTION: Will Tom Cruise die making a movie for us because that’s how he wants to go? (full disclosure, I have believed this to be true since I watched "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" at the IMAX almost 15 years ago.)
“This is definitely the best question you've asked thus far, so it's no surprise it's the final question.
Yes, I definitely feel like the chances are quite high that he will die making a movie. Although I also feel like he may have already died, and we are just seeing one of his many cryogenically frozen clones in action.”
Perfect answers, Mr. Jones. No notes. Check out Dallas at one of his THREE gigs this weekend, (see photo at the top) and we’ll see you next week!
