On a warm, cloudless April Saturday, Kacey Musgraves finds herself embracing life as if stepping into one of her own songs. Driving southbound to rural Williamsport, just an hour from her Nashville home, she plans a day of horseback riding and river rambling with friends.
A good friend of hers owns a beautiful, expansive farm nestled alongside the Duck River, known for its remarkable biodiversity. Musgraves describes the spot as an oasis: “It’s really clean and beautiful, organic and peaceful. My friends and I go out there, bring a picnic and just live our best lives — barefoot, dirty, in the river. It’s so fun.”
Such idyllic outings have deeply influenced her songwriting on tracks like “Space Cowboy,” “Oh What a World,” “Butterflies,” and “Cardinal.” They serve as a remedy for her mental health too. “Horses have given me such an outlet for tranquility. It’s something that takes me outside of looking at my phone screen,” Musgraves remarks.
With Easter just around the corner, and 4/20 on the horizon, one might expect the spirited artist to indulge in a celebratory smoke in nature. However, in her latest work, “Deeper Well,” Musgraves reflects on her past habits, including her previous fondness for marijuana. She admits, “I used to wake and bake,” but adds, “I’m getting rid of the habits that I feel are real good at wasting my time.”
Musgraves chuckles at the notion that she is entirely sober, clarifying, “Um, I never said I don’t ever partake. But, hey, more power to whatever suits you.”
Now, more than a year after the release of “Deeper Well,” Musgraves is embarking on a pivotal new chapter in her career. She has signed with the newly relaunched Lost Highway Records, becoming the first artist to join the label since its revival by Interscope a month ago. This decision marks a significant moment for Musgraves, who was the last artist signed by Lost Highway before its closure in 2011.
Musgraves is elated about her return to Lost Highway, stating, “It’s a no-brainer. It made me very emotional, because it brought back so many memories and an aerial view of looking at all I’ve gotten to do.” To celebrate her return, she has recorded her own version of Hank Williams’ 1949 classic, “Lost Highway.”
Lost Highway has historically been a label for nontraditional artists, and Musgraves has always pushed boundaries during her career. John Janick, the CEO of Interscope, states, “Kacey is exactly the type of artist we are looking for with Lost Highway. We wanted someone who’s going to move and shape culture, not follow it.” Musgraves embodies that spirit, aiming to remain true to her creative vision.
Reflecting on her return to Lost Highway, Musgraves emphasizes that while some may perceive it as a return to traditional country music, it’s not quite accurate. “I never left,” she asserts, explaining that traditional country has always been her home base, even while she explores various genres. As she reminisces about her musical upbringing, she recalls singing country classics from a young age, stating, “It’s such a part of me, I can’t escape even if I wanted to.”
When asked about her excitement to be back with Lost Highway, Musgraves expresses gratitude toward her manager, Jason Owen, who proposed the idea over dinner. She describes the experience as emotional, reminding her of her journey and accomplishments.
Musgraves cites the roster of Lost Highway, which included influential artists like Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams, as inspiring. She believes that being associated with such artists gives other musicians permission to also break away from traditional molds. “There’s a reason people on the creative side and people on the business side traditionally, stereotypically, have rubs because they are looking through different lenses,” she says.
Musgraves acknowledges the challenges she faced with her song “Follow Your Arrow,” which was deemed controversial for its themes of cannabis use and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Even though the song was banned from country radio, she values the impact it created. “I would never trade that for the love and the people it brought to my world,” she states, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her art.
As a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, she reflects on the progress in country music toward inclusivity, admitting that she never intended to be a rule-breaker. Rather, she views her role as a storyteller who reflects the realities of life.
Discussing her version of “Lost Highway,” Musgraves aimed to preserve the song’s traditional roots. She uncovered a personal connection to the song’s origins; Leon Payne, the original songwriter, was from a town close to her own.
Kacey experimented with traditional sounds in her cover, which features her grandpa introducing her on a vintage radio station. She shares, “He was always one of the biggest champions of my singing”,” emphasizing the personal nature of the project. Additionally, Musgraves included a rattlesnake tail as a percussion instrument, paying homage to folklore.
As she enters this new era with Lost Highway, Musgraves hints at the direction her music may take: “I’ve written a ton of songs already. I’m not sure yet where it’s going to end up.
She reveals that she feels free to explore and play with sounds while taking her time, without being bound by deadlines.
Following her time exploring her musical roots, Musgraves is not finished with her existing work from “Deeper Well.” She plans to announce international tour dates, including performances in South America, Asia, and Australia.
With her sights set on performing in Brazil, she acknowledges the unparalleled energy and enthusiasm of fans there. “Country is more about a mentality and an attitude versus geography… real country music is based on real emotions all humans have, no matter where you’re from,” she concludes, celebrating the unifying nature of the genre.
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