**Dan + Shay Embrace Authenticity in Upcoming Album and Tour**
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The country music duo Dan + Shay are poised to launch their North American tour on September 11, following the release of their latest album, *Young*, which is set to drop on August 21. This album marks a notable transition for the artists, as they explore deeper themes of mental health and personal growth, reflecting their evolution as musicians over the years.
Since debuting with their hit single “19 You + Me” in 2013, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney have journeyed through the complexities of life, both personally and professionally. They have released five studio albums and have weathered a near-split, alongside Mooney’s experiences as a father of four. What stands out now is their conscious decision to focus on producing music that resonates with their authentic selves rather than chasing mainstream success.
In advance of the album’s release, the duo has shared a few singles, including “Say So” and the title track “Young.” These songs signify a thematic turning point for the duo. Most notably, “Say So” touches on the serious subject of suicide prevention, dedicated to their late mentor who tragically lost his life to suicide in 2025. This song has given the pair an opportunity to open up about their personal struggles with mental health.
Smyers, who is 38 years old, expressed in a recent interview the relief that comes with discussing mental health openly. “For the last few years and during our last couple of tours, I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety and feelings of imposter syndrome,” he explained. By being transparent in their music, Smyers believes they have bridged the gap between their on-stage personas and their true selves.
Mooney, now 34, reflected on the album, describing it as a poignant examination of their journey thus far. “We’ve taken a deep, hard look at who we are as individuals and what we wish to convey through our music,” he said, appreciating the growth they have undergone since their early days. Their experiences have imparted valuable lessons, with Mooney stating, “The point of life is not to avoid mistakes; it’s about learning from them and seeing things from a new perspective.”
This new mindset has encouraged the duo to focus on authenticity. “You tend to spend a lot of time trying to meet others’ expectations, but now it’s about doing what feels right to us,” Smyers noted. “I’m just proud of the music we’ve created and grateful for its existence.” The duo’s commitment to genuine artistry has given rise to a peace that they wish to share during their upcoming performances.
As they prepare for the tour, the pair aims to convey the “humanity” encapsulated within their new music. They aspire to provide their listeners with a much-needed respite from the turmoil of everyday life. During the recent ACM Awards, they performed “Say So,” an experience that left a profound impact on Mooney regarding the song’s potential to resonate deeply with fans. “To be on stage, knowing that our song could save someone’s life—it’s emotionally overwhelming,” he remarked.
On the road, Mooney and Smyers describe themselves as low-maintenance individuals. Mooney enjoys engaging in a round of golf, while Smyers is looking forward to the simpler pleasures of home life, such as mowing the lawn, viewing it as a form of therapy. “Being on tour can be demanding, but when I get home, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of mowing the grass,” he laughed.
Ultimately, the duo embodies a grounded perspective on fame and success. Despite their accomplishments, Smyers and Mooney celebrate the simplicity of their lives and the joy that music brings them. As they gear up for their highly anticipated tour, the focus remains not solely on entertainment but on creating meaningful connections with their audience through their shared human experiences.