Dave Fenley, a Texas native, has always built his music on authenticity, grit and emotional honesty—values that remain front and center on his newest third studio album, “Rest of My Life” (released on May 8). 

Known to many from his appearances on The Voice and American Idol, Fenley has steadily carved out a career rooted in heartfelt storytelling and a powerful, soulful voice. The new project marks his first full-length release in 15 years and traces a deeply personal journey shaped by faith, family, and a renewed connection to his musical roots.

Blending elements of soul, country, and gospel, Rest of My Life showcases a more expressive side of Fenley’s artistry. Songs like “Waiting For” and “One Hell of a Fire” explore love in its many forms, while “Pretty Face” and the title track reflect his devotion as a husband and father, grounding the album in gratitude and purpose.

From humble beginnings in small-town coffeehouses to performing on international stages, Fenley’s career has been defined by consistency rather than reinvention—an artist focused on deepening the bond between his voice, his story, and the listener with every song. We chatted with him recently about his newest album release and musical journey.

You’ve got this really natural mix of country, soul and gospel—did that just kind of happen over time or were you always aiming for that sound? 

I think my sound has just evolved from the music that I listen to really. I was raised on country music and in the church…and when BoyzIIMen came out I went looking for anything that sounded like that. It’s pretty fun to think about where influences come from and the impact they have!

When you were on America’s Got Talent and The Voice, did you have any idea your performances would connect with so many people? 

I mean, that’s the goal, right? But seriously, you never know how those shows will really impact your life. I just tried to sing songs that I would be willing to sing forever at my live shows.

Your covers like “Stuck On You” and “Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days” really blew up online—what do you think people are feeling when they hear you sing those? 

I know some are feeling nostalgic because they are beloved and timeless songs. Others might think they are originals and I’m some cross-genre genius. Ha! But hopefully most people are just connecting to my voice and my delivery because I really want them to love my new album of originals. 

You’ve gone from coffeehouse gigs to touring and even sharing the stage with Miranda Lambert—what’s been the most surreal moment for you so far?

It’s certainly been a journey! Until now I would’ve always said that opening for Miranda at Madison Square Garden would’ve been hard to top. But I just got invited to make my Grand Ole Opry debut and I’m certain that’ll take the top spot in my life of crazy moments that I’ll never forget. 

It’s been 15 years since your last full album—what made now the right time to put out Rest Of My Life? 

Well I’ve been putting out EP’s to capture certain moments of time in my life. I guess I was just kinda unsure if anyone would listen to an entire album of my stories. It seems like these days people cherry pick what they like and the rest of the songs have to earn their spot on a playlist as well. But with the “Rest of My Life” album it was just too much that felt good together to imagine splitting them up. So here we are! 

You’ve said this album is really personal, especially around faith and family—was there a song that was harder than the others to write or record? 

Probably “Hell of a Fire” because when I wrote that song it was pretty straight-ahead country. But when we began making this album everything started leaning more soulfully…so I basically had to un-learn a song I loved and reshape it to feel like the rest of the record. And it kinda turned out to be one of my favorites. 

You’ve written songs for artists like Chris Young and AJ McLean—is it harder to write for yourself or for someone else? 

I have been really fortunate to have some incredible artists believe in the songs I write. But I don’t usually start with the intention of writing for them. Nashville is a town built on the concept of Best-Song-Wins so I just try to write a story that feels genuine and a melody that’s fun to sing. I’ve been proud to grow as a songwriter since moving to Music City. 

You’ve built a big following online—do you ever feel pressure to keep up with that, or do you just post what feels right? 

Honestly, I never really think about numbers or the following all that much. I have a great team that watches all that stuff. They help prompt me to make content but they never ask me to do anything that’s not genuine to me. I’ve never had to learn how to floss…and that’s a win in my book. 

You’ve got some big moments coming up like CMA Fest and your Grand Ole Opry debut—are you more excited or nervous? 

Currently? Excited. Day-of-show? That could be a different story. But at the end of the day, I’m singing songs and making people forget about the pressures of life for a few minutes. It’s such a blessing…and it’s fun! I’ll feel the pressure after the show wondering if I did a good job. I want people to have a good time.

If someone’s just discovering your music for the first time, what’s the one song you’d tell them to start with and why? 

Start with “Till You.” It’s the one I wrote about my wife and daughter. That’s my world. If they like that, they’ll like everything else too.

For more information about Dave or to follow him on social media, please visit his website; https://www.davefenley.com/

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Cover photo Ike Everard

Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.