In the vast expanse of American music, one genre stands out for its rich storytelling, heart-wrenching melodies, and down-to-earth charm: country music. But despite its widespread popularity, there’s a lingering misconception that this genre is somehow less sophisticated, less progressive, and less open-minded than its counterparts. It’s a notion that has long been a thorn in the side of country music’s most forward-thinking artists – none more so than the genre-bending songstress Kacey Musgraves.
Setting the Record Straight
Kacey Musgraves is having a full-circle moment. The eight-time Grammy winner was the final artist to sign with the illustrious Lost Highway Records before it folded into Mercury Nashville in 2012. Now the label has been revived under Interscope Records, with Musgraves back as its flagship artist. The moment sees the “Follow Your Arrow” songstress returning to her roots in more ways than one. She just released her own version of the 1949 Hank Williams hit “Lost Highway” in celebration. Speaking to Morningpicker about her newest era, Musgraves took some time to clear up a misconception about the genre she calls home.
Misconceptions about Country Music: Kacey Musgraves’ Perspective
The first misconception that Kacey Musgraves would like to address is that she is returning—to Lost Highway Records, and to country music. Despite straying into dance and folk territory on previous albums, Musgraves is first and foremost a country artist. “It’s always been a home base, and it’s truly where I’m sonically the most happy,” she told Morningpicker. Growing up with traditional country mainstays like Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn on repeat, the “Cardinal” singer, 36, knows that not just anybody can produce quality country music.
“There may be a misconception that country music is easy to replicate,” she says. “When you look at the bones of traditional country — the structure, the sounds, the subject matter — it’s not easy to replicate. It comes across as very simple, and the best country music is.” In reality, the genre is teeming with heart, real-life stories, and a surprising amount of restraint, Musgraves said. “Really good traditional country music, there’s a lot of space for the lyrics, the story, for the heartbreak and the texture,” she says. “I really appreciate that about that era of country music. It paints a picture, but it’s subtle and it’s simple.”
Country Roots and Radio Rejection
Following Her Arrow: Musgraves’ Unapologetic Approach
Kacey Musgraves is having a full-circle moment. The eight-time Grammy winner was the final artist to sign with the illustrious Lost Highway Records before it folded into Mercury Nashville in 2012. Now the label has been revived under Interscope Records, with Musgraves back as its flagship artist. The moment sees the “Follow Your Arrow” songstress returning to her roots in more ways than one. She just released her own version of the 1949 Hank Williams hit “Lost Highway” in celebration. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about her newest era, Musgrave took some time to clear up a misconception about the genre she calls home.
“It’s always been a home base, and it’s truly where I’m sonically the most happy,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. Growing up with traditional country mainstays like Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn on repeat, the “Cardinal” singer, 36, knows that not just anybody can produce quality country music. “There may be a misconception that country music is easy to replicate,” she says.
“When you look at the bones of traditional country — the structure, the sounds, the subject matter — it’s not easy to replicate. It comes across as very simple, and the best country music is.” In reality, the genre is teeming with heart, real-life stories, and a surprising amount of restraint, Musgraves said.
“Really good traditional country music, there’s a lot of space for the lyrics, the story, for the heartbreak and the texture,” she says. “I really appreciate that about that era of country music. It paints a picture, but it’s subtle and it’s simple.”
The Consequences of Staying True: Radio Rejection and Musical Integrity
Kacey Musgraves was halfway through making her studio debut, 2013’s Same Trailer Different Park, when Lost Highway folded. “Follow Your Arrow,” a self-empowerment anthem embracing both cannabis and the LGBTQ+ community, was the last song she turned in for the record—despite warnings against releasing it at all.
Turns out, Musgraves says, they were right—the song “ended up tanking.” Still, she has no regrets. “I’m not going to present a watered-down version of myself to be accepted,” Musgraves said.
Songwriting and Artistic Vision
The Importance of Lyrical Space: Painting a Picture with Subtlety
Marina Diamandis, better known as Marina and the Diamonds, pens high-energy, Katy Perry-esque pop songs that delve into far deeper issues than the events of last Friday night. We chat with Marina about handling criticism, being a woman in pop music and the reason she decided to start making music.
When did you start writing songs? When I was 19. Do you remember the first song you ever wrote? Yes! It was called “Plastic Rainbow.” What’s your songwriting process like? Whenever I think of lyrics I write them down, whether I’m on a train or plane or walking to the supermarket.
It always starts with lyrics first and hardly ever starts with music. I have to be inspired to write about something. How does the objectification of women in the pop world affect you and your songwriting? That’s a hard question. I’m protective of how I am portrayed and how I come off and am viewed image-wise.
It’s a tricky thing because obviously, it’s not a bad thing to look sexy, but at the same time you want to be taken seriously, so there’s always kind of a split. A divide between the two. In terms of my writing, I’ve definitely seen that how you look as a female dictactes how people, unfortunately, will think of you initially.
Conclusion
In “Kacey Musgraves Wants to Clear Up a Misconception About Country Music,” American Songwriter sheds light on a long-standing stereotype surrounding the genre. The article delves into Kacey Musgraves’ efforts to dispel the notion that country music is confined to a narrow, traditional sound. Key points include her embracing of experimental production, collaborations with artists from diverse genres, and a focus on storytelling that transcends traditional country themes. Musgraves argues that country music is not limited to a specific style or sound, but rather a genre that can seamlessly integrate elements from various musical traditions.
This topic holds significant implications for the future of country music, as it challenges the status quo and paves the way for innovation and diversity within the genre. By pushing boundaries and blurring lines between styles, artists like Musgraves are redefining what country music means and paving the way for a new generation of artists who are unafraid to explore and experiment. This shift has the potential to attract a broader audience and revitalize the genre as a whole.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Kacey Musgraves’ vision for country music inspires other artists to take risks and challenge conventions. The future of country music is looking brighter and more inclusive than ever, thanks to trailblazers like Musgraves who are willing to shatter stereotypes and redefine the genre. With its rich history, versatility, and capacity for innovation, country music is poised to continue its evolution, breaking free from traditional constraints and embracing a bold, new sound that reflects the complex and ever-changing world we live in.