“We realized that oil workers like to listen to Alice In Chains, and the goth kids like Tyler Childers so why couldn’t we do both? And so, we did, and it worked so well,” explains James Tuffs, the lead singer of Dexter and The Moonrocks, about the origin of the band.
When reading the band’s bio, it almost sounds like the start of a joke: A former fry cook, oil field operator, concrete surface decorator and kids’ baseball coach met up in a small town in West Texas and started playing country western music together (as one does in small town West Texas). However, what developed were some serious genre-bending music. The band’s roots in country began to cross-pollinate with the rock and grunge influences the absorbed from their parents.
Meanwhile, as they honed their identity as a band, their drummer, Fox, (the baseball coach) took the helm of their social media, exponentially growing their followers. But they quickly proved they weren’t just building a passive online community: their streams started to sharply increase, and their shows started selling out. Curious followers became fans of the music. Two years later, with 675,000 TikTok followers and more than 50 million streams, Dexter and The Moonrocks have become something none of them ever, in a million years, dreamed possible.
“Coming from a town with only 700 people and regularly selling that many tickets in cities all over the nation is insane,” says Tuffs.
From this growth, the group garnered the attention of Severance Records, a newly launched Nashville-based imprint of Big Loud Rock. This year, through Severance, Dexter and The Moonrocks released “Western Space Grunge,” an EP including the lead single “Sad In Carolina,” an angsty rock track growing quickly at alternative radio.
“Grunge and country are honestly so similar,” says Fox. “Look at Johnny Cash’s cover of ‘Hurt’ by Nine Inch Nails. Both speak to the oppressed and the depressed – country with twang and grunge with a bite. A pair of boots can mean cowboy or combat. We are huge fans of artists like Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers and Noah Kahan – and when you take that sound and plug it into amps with electric guitars, you get Dexter and The Moonrocks.”
“We took a bet on ourselves, and it’s paying off immensely,” he continues. “We believed we had something special, and if we could just get people to pay attention they’d fall in love, and we did just that.”
The band’s popularity continues to grow, reaching over 400k monthly listeners on Spotify and finding themselves booked at several major music festivals this year. The latter finds Dexter and The Moonrocks coming to South Star Music Festival on Saturday, September 28. After jamming to the group’s music all week, this is indeed a smart addition to the South Star lineup. Whether listening to the aforementioned “Sad In Carolina,” the the alternative-forward “Birds and the Bees,” or the 90’s grunge-alternative throwback, “Couch,” the band offers plenty of nostalgic vibes to fit perfectly with fellow festival bands like Shinedown, Gin Blossoms, and Candlebox. However, the group is not just about the influences of the past. Having recently watched Dexter and The Moonrocks at a neighboring fest, these guys are all about bringing the music we love into a modern era. We know we will be at South Star’s Supersonic Stage at 2:15 to watch them jam and we hope you will join us!
Listen to Dexter and The Moonrocks:
Connect with Dexter and The Moonrocks:
Official site | YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok
About The 2024 South Star Music Festival:
Huntsville, Alabama is gearing up to welcome the inaugural South Star Music Festival at John Hunt Park this weekend, September 28-29, 2024. The highly anticipated event will feature 20 artists across two stages, with an incredible lineup headlined by blink-182 and Gwen Stefani. Also taking the stage are iconic acts like Shinedown, Beck, Tom Morello, Sublime, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat World, TLC, Ludacris, Juvenile & the 400 Degreez Band, Big Boi, Gin Blossoms, Pete Yorn, Candlebox, Vanessa Carlton, Winona Fighter, Bully, Dexter & Moonrocks, and Billy Allen + The Pollies.
This festival promises to bringing a premier live music experience to the heart of Huntsville, AL. Featuring top-tier talent from across the music spectrum, we expect the festival to offer fans an unforgettable weekend of live performances, community, and culture.
Huntsville’s Music & Cultural Renaissance
As home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, The Rocket City is known for innovation, but the city is equally committed to expanding its music, culture, and entertainment scene. The South Star Festival follows the successful opening of the Orion Amphitheater in 2022 and aims to build on the city’s thriving arts and entertainment offerings. This growth positions Huntsville as a dynamic destination for both residents and visitors who seek vibrant community experiences.
More Than Music
In addition to world-class live music, South Star Music Festival will offer a variety of on-site attractions. One of the key highlights will be the South Star Sports Hall, a massive sports bar where attendees can enjoy the biggest football games without leaving the festival grounds. In the heart of SEC country, where football is a way of life, festival-goers can grab a beer, kick back, and catch their favorite teams on the big screen.
Ticketing Information:
Tickets are on sale now at on the South Star website. Options range from GA to GA+, VIP, and Platinum packages, so there’s something for everyone. Be sure to secure your spot early!
Premium Ticketing Options
South Star Music Festival is designed to provide a world-class experience for all, but attendees can elevate their festival journey with premium ticket options.
- GA+ Ticket: Includes access to a private bar with drinks for purchase and a dedicated GA+ concierge for festival assistance.
- VIP Ticket: Offers all GA+ perks along with a dedicated viewing area, on-field access behind Platinum Viewing, dedicated food for purchase, and express entry.
- Platinum Ticket: Unlocks exclusive front-of-stage viewing with complimentary beer, seltzer, and water, access to the Platinum Lounge with complimentary all-day dining and a full-service bar, free mobile charging lockers, and a special festival gift.
Whether you’re enjoying the general admission or treating yourself to the luxury of Platinum, South Star Music Festival is set to be a must-attend event for music lovers this fall. We hope we’ll see you out there!