Tony West of Blacklist Union Stops By AATR HQ For A Chat

Blacklist Union return with new single Mississippi Moonhound— a swampy, swaggering anthem delivering a powerful blast of wild and untamed rock ‘n’ roll. The new single captures the feeling of being haunted by your past while howling into the night for something more. Blacklist Union’s new album Slay the Dragon is scheduled for September 2025 and will be their sixth full-length release.

 

Blacklist Union have built a reputation on their explosive live shows and unapologetically bold sound. Their previous record, Letters from the Psych Ward, racked up over two million streams, setting the stage for the band’s new album.

We caught up with frontman Tony West for a chat…

“Mississippi Moonhound” has a visceral energy to it—was there a particular memory or moment that sparked its creation?

Mississippi Moon hound was inspired by exactly what’s happening in my life and what I saw in my visions in the jungle of the Amazon with the Shipibo Indians.

Can you tell us more about how your ayahuasca experiences in the Amazon influenced the lyrical themes of the upcoming album, Slay the Dragon?
Well, I travel to spiritual realms doing the ayahuasca, and it’s a very deep, spiritual and healing thing. Lyrically all of our songs are about that healing and insight – I have been so blessed with to experience it.

Does the title refer to slaying personal or societal Dragons?

When I was starting to feel the medicine in the jungle, one of the first things spirit said to me was “slay the dragon”. I wasn’t expecting them to say that that’s for sure. But I think that means metaphysically. Meaning whatever your demons are get rid of and face your pain.

Blacklist Union’s name and origin story are rooted in grit and attitude—how do you keep that spirit alive

By speaking my mind and staying true to myself. We are not PC by any means and we don’t follow trends.

You’ve said Andy Wood is your muse—how does his legacy show up in your songwriting today?
I learned everything I know from Andrew Wood. When I was a kid, I sang his songs and learned every nuance in every single breath of those Mother Love Bone songs. Then years later, I ended up singing and malfunction with Kevin Wood, Andy’s brother. That fell apart pretty quickly because he had his wife managing the band . I don’t know if you ever seen the movie Spinal Tap -but never let your girlfriend or wife manage the band. Unless of course it’s Sharon Osborne.

You mentioned wanting to bring danger back to rock ‘n’ roll—what does that mean to you in 2025?

Well, I don’t wanna bring the danger back into rock ‘n’ roll, we’re already doing it! We don’t play by the rules.

Spotify/Apple Music: https://unitedmasters.com/m/mississippi-moonhound

www.blacklistunion.com
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