Texas Country Artist Pug Johnson Launches Kickstarter for New Album

PUG JOHNSON LAUNCHES KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN TO BRING HIS SOLID GOLD COUNTRY HEARTBREAK ALBUM TO LIFE 

A NEW FULL-LENGTH RECORD FILLED WITH HEARTACHE, HUMOR, AND TRUE AMERICANA STORYTELLING

Pug Johnson, Texas-based country artist whose songs reach far beyond the genre’s borders, has officially launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the down-home, solid gold country heartache album that he’s never made. This campaign invites fans and supporters to play a direct role in bringing the project to life. Learn more about the campaign here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pugjohnson/pug-johnsons-down-home-solid-gold-country-heartbreak-album?ref=153e5y

After the March 2025 release of El Cabron and a run of opening slots for Midland, Clint Black, Steve Earle, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and more, Pug found himself in an unexpected songwriting dry spell. When a single idea finally broke through, it opened the door to a full album’s worth of songs rooted in heartbreak, humor, and true American storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the grit of ‘80s Merle Haggard, the energy of ‘70s Jerry Lee Lewis, and a touch of Cajun flair in honor of his home turf, the new project marks a bold creative resurgence.

While working with a label that allows him to retain full creative control, Johnson is turning to Kickstarter to fund his share of the album’s production. The campaign will cover the essential building blocks, studio time, core band tracking, mixing, mastering, and artwork. Allowing the record to be made now rather than postponed to “someday,” and inviting fans to help bring the project fully to life.

“[The Kickstarter campaign]...keeps me from having to make money offmy pretty face. You’re helping me make an album, not an OnlyPugs account. And I promise I will not blow your pledge on more polyester pants and whiskey,” says Pug Johnson.

Supporters can choose from a range of rewards, such as early access, demos, a private listening link, exclusive campaign-only merch, collector items like test pressing and handwritten lyrics, and their name on the Supporter Wall. Some support tiers even land in the album credits forever.

Known for his unique blend of country, blues, rock, soul, and dixieland jazz, Pug Johnson has landed on Texas Monthly’s Soundtrack of the Year (2025) list. Pug Johnson’s Down-Home, Solid Gold Country Heartbreak Album kickstarter campaign represents a natural next chapter in his evolving artistic journey.

The Kickstarter campaign runs from February 12, 2026 through April 13, 2026.

ABOUT PUG JOHNSON 

Pug Johnson is a Texas-based country artist whose songs reach far beyond the genre's borders. Raised on the outskirts of Beaumont, Texas, he grew up listening to a multicultural soundtrack of Cajun music, swamp pop, Tex-Mex, and honky tonk. Those influences have resurfaced on solo records like Throwed Offand Glad and El Cabron, shaping a wry, witty songwriting style praised by Lonesome Highway for "exploring life's darker side in places… with high spirits and wicked humor." A road warrior who has shared shows with Steve Earle, Midland, and Hayes Carll, Pug Johnson nods to his Texas roots while writing universal songs about the American everyman.

For more information, visit Pug's website. 

For interview requests or general inquiries, please contact, Mindy Johnson.

mindy@pjandth.com