Kix Brooks Insists He’s ‘Not the Same’ as Ronnie Dunn

Kix Brooks certainly hasn't stayed idle since his split from longtime duo partner Ronnie Dunn. Formerly one-half of Brooks & Dunn, Kix has since been recording, acting and continuing his role as an award-winning host of radio's America's Country Countdown. But even with Ronnie's new solo single, 'Bleed Red,' rapidly climbing the charts, Kix isn't worried that he should rush to get his own project out as well.

"[Ronnie] was really ready to just take the time and run on into his solo career, and I'm a little more inclined to take a step back and scratch my head while I'm working on this," he tells Taste of Country. "We're not the same guy!"

The 56-year-old has about half of his solo album finished, but is learning to juggle working on the new CD with his numerous acting gigs. "I'm starting a new movie in a few weeks, and I just finished another movie which has slowed down my recording process," he reveals. "But my label seems to be very supportive about my movie roles. They're not in a hurry, and I'm not either, honestly."

The multifaceted musician and actor, who was a theater major in college, says his latest flick, 'Thriftstore Cowboy,' includes not only his acting skills, but his songwriting talents as well. "One [song that] probably will be in the 'Thrift Store' movie is a song I wrote called 'Moonshine Road," he reveals. "It's pretty rocking and it's pretty swampy, and I'm sort of writing some more songs around it. It's a little different than Brooks and Dunn music. It's just kind of where I'm from."

The married father of two still finds a way to stay on the radio and hit the road, thanks to his role as host of one of the nation's biggest radio programs. "I'm still doing quite a few shows right now," notes the Louisiana native. "I'm doing the 'on the road' series with American Country Countdown, working with any number of different acts: Luke Bryan, Craig Morgan, Lee Brice, Thompson Square. There's a lot of great music going on. Doing the countdown show, there's a lot of great talent out there and it's always fun to see what breaks through and what rises to the top. The fans always decide that -- always have, always will."

More information about the countdown, including upcoming shows, can be found here. When Kix is not performing, he can often be found at his winery, Arrington Vineyards, located just outside of Nashville.