Dale Watson to open a retro Air BnB in Whitehaven

For Texas troubadour Dale Watson, Memphis has long been something of a second home — he’s recorded frequently at the historic Sun Studios, been a regular performer at Beale Street clubs, and drawn much inspiration from the city’s rich roots music history.

“Memphis has always been a dear part of my life since I started coming in the '80s,” says Watson. “The place just rejuvenates me.” In the meantime, he’ll continue to split time between the Bluff City and his longtime Austin residence. “I’ve got a place in Austin, with a recording studio built up in the back. It’s a good property and it's home,” says Watson. “But Austin is changing quite a bit — it’s almost turning into a little San Francisco. It’s losing a lot of the roots that I loved. They’re tearing down all the cool places I used to play at and go to, so they can build condos. Breaks my heart to see it.”

“I see a lot of growth in Memphis but they won’t necessarily tear down a building — usually they’ll (repurpose) the building, make it part of whatever the new thing is. There’s a sense of history here. That’s what appeals to me.” Earlier this spring, Watson purchased a home in Whitehaven, part of a long-term plan for the 54-year-old Alabama-born honky-tonker. “It’s my parachute for whenever I get taxed out of Austin. They’re raising taxes down there so much that it’s probably doubled since I’ve moved in, and will probably triple soon. The property values are so high I’ll be able to sell (the house) and live off that when the time comes.”

Until then, Watson is planning on making his Memphis abode a retro Airbnb rental. “The entire house is gonna done up in '50s style, from the appliances to the décor. It’s going to be an experience,” says Watson. “It’s got a finished basement and I’m getting a vintage console and a putting in a vinyl lathe. So people who stay there can do a live recording and walk out with the vinyl.”

Watson’s new Memphis living situation means he’ll be performing in town more regularly. He’s started a monthly residency at Murphy’s — billed as Dalevis & the Memphis Two — that will see him backed by a cast of locals including Mario Monterossoon guitar. Their next Murphy’s show is set for June 28. Watson will also headline a concert with his regular road band atLafayette’s Music Room on August 23.

In early August, he’ll working on a new album at Sam Phillips Recording. Watson says the record will be made up of original material, but will mine the spirit of his Memphis heroes like Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. “It’s gonna have that flavor, but with a country element,” says Watson. “I can’t ever escape the honky-tonk vibe of what I do, but hopefully it will showcase the Sun influence I’ve always had as well.”

In between tours, Watson says he plans on staying in Memphis as much as possible, in part to collaborate with more local players and songwriters. “There’s a lot of great musicians and writers there," he says, "and I look forward to working with a lot of them.”

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BIM: Sounds like a cool place for fans to stay in the future while visiting Memphis especially Elvis Week and Birthday Celebration. Knowing Dale, much more affordable than the guesthouse which promised fans Super 8 price which are now higher than Peabody rates. You have options, folks!