Maren Morris switches gears, bids farewell to country music.
Musician Maren Morris Expresses Desire to Expand Beyond Country Music
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Maren Morris opened up about her aspirations to explore new musical territories beyond the confines of country music. The genre has been experiencing a surge in popularity, with hits like Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” and Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” dominating the charts.
Stepping Away from Country Music Drama
“But the stories going on within country music right now, I’ve tried to avoid a lot of it at all costs. I feel very, very distanced from it,” Morris revealed. “A lot of the drama within the community, I’ve chosen to step outside out of it.”
Morris’s latest release, “The Tree,” showcases her desire for change. The music video features a city sign that boldly declares, “Welcome to Our Perfect SMALL TOWN From Sunrise to Sundown.” This powerful imagery comes shortly after Aldean’s own song about small towns, which sparked controversy with its inclusion of yard signs bearing conservative slogans like “GO WOKE GO BROKE” and “DON’T TREAD ON ME.” In a striking conclusion to her video, Morris sets a tree and the nearby town ablaze before walking away. Notably, this song marks her first release under Columbia Records instead of the Nashville division she was previously signed to.
Aldean’s song faced criticism not only for its lyrics but also for its original music video, which included footage from the Black Lives Matter riots of 2020. The controversial footage was later removed.
Addressing the Dark Side of Country Music
Morris delved into the history of country music, shedding light on its roots in racism and misogyny. Her lyrics in “The Tree” reflect this sentiment, as she sings, “I’m done fillin’ a cup with a hole in the bottom/I’m takin’ an axe to the tree/The rot at the roots is the root of the problem/But you wanna blame it on me.”
Reflecting on the aftermath of the Trump era, Morris expressed her disappointment in the biases that were exposed. She observed a disturbing alignment between the celebration of misogyny, racism, homophobia, and transphobia and a hyper-masculine branch of country music, which she humorously referred to as “butt rock.”
Since its release on Friday, “The Tree” has garnered fewer than 150,000 views on YouTube.
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How is Maren Morris shaping the future of country music through her desire to expand beyond the genre
Rom that drama and I just want to focus on making good music,” Morris stated in the interview. Morris has always been known for her authentic storytelling and heartfelt lyrics, but she acknowledged that the drama and controversies within the country music industry can sometimes overshadow the artistry and talent of its musicians.
Her desire to expand beyond the country music genre should come as no surprise, considering her previous experimentation with different genres. Her 2016 album “Hero” incorporated elements of pop, R&B, and even EDM, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Tracks like “80s Mercedes” and “My Church” became crossover hits on both country and pop charts, solidifying Morris’ ability to appeal to a wide range of listeners.
A Musical Chameleon
Morris’ willingness to push boundaries and embrace new sounds sets her apart from many of her country music peers. She has collaborated with artists from different genres, such as EDM duo Zedd on the hit single “The Middle,” which reached the top of the pop charts. This crossover success not only exposed her to a broader audience but also demonstrated her ability to adapt and thrive in different musical landscapes.
Furthermore, Morris is not afraid to address important social and political issues in her music. Her 2019 single “GIRL” encourages female empowerment and self-love, resonating with audiences beyond the country music sphere. She has also spoken out about LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, and other topics often considered taboo within country music circles. By doing so, she has solidified herself as a voice for change and inclusivity in the industry.
Impacting the Future of Country Music
As Morris expresses her desire to expand beyond country music, she is also shaping the future of the genre. She is paving the way for other artists who may feel confined by genre restrictions or wish to explore new musical territories. Her success in blending different genres and addressing important issues shows that a successful career in country music does not have to follow a formulaic path.
Morris’ desire to explore new musical territories is not an abandonment of country music but rather a natural progression for an artist who refuses to be limited by labels. By expressing her desire to push boundaries and make music that resonates with a wider audience, she is continuing to evolve as a musician and inspire others to do the same.
The Future of Maren Morris
As she looks towards the future, Morris is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. With her upcoming album “GOLDMINE,” she plans to continue defying expectations and exploring new sounds. She hopes that her music will continue to connect with listeners on a deeper level and inspire them to embrace their true selves.
Whether she remains in the realm of country music or branches out into other genres, one thing is certain – Maren Morris will continue to leave a lasting impact on the music industry. Her authenticity, talent, and willingness to push boundaries make her a force to be reckoned with. As she expands beyond country music, we can expect nothing but greatness from this trailblazing artist.
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