Kacey Musgraves has recently shed light on her previously rumoured rift with fellow country artist Miranda Lambert. In an interview with NPR, the Grammy-winning singer discussed her desire to collaborate with Lambert on a track titled “Horses and Divorces,” which is set to feature on her upcoming album, “Middle of Nowhere”.
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The 37-year-old Musgraves reflected on the complicated history between the two artists, revealing that they had lost touch over the years and didn’t consider each other friends. Musgraves’ interest in collaborating stemmed from a chance encounter while scrolling through social media. A post of Lambert riding her horse prompted Musgraves to reach out, leading her to think, “We ain’t friends, but I guess we have two things in common: horses and divorces.” This light-hearted observation sparked the idea of a duet, which subsequently brought the two singers together.
Musgraves also discussed her earlier connection with Lambert through the song “Mama’s Broken Heart,” which she had originally hoped to release as her debut single. Instead, the song was recorded by Lambert for her 2013 album, “Four the Record.” Musgraves admitted that the situation had been somewhat difficult for her, as the song was pitched without her knowledge. However, the experience ultimately led her to pen “Merry Go Round,” which suited her artistic vision more closely, proving that the change was fortuitous for her career.
While reminiscing about their past, Musgraves indicated that their paths were intertwined from the start, being two women from small towns in Texas who wound up pursuing careers in Nashville. She expressed that the journey of both artists had its own unique challenges and victories. In any case, the relationship had remained stagnant for years until Musgraves decided to reach out with the intention of writing a new song together.
When she finally contacted Lambert, it was not with the aim of rekindling a friendship but rather to suggest a collaboration. “I know we’ve had our issues over the years, but listen, we’ve at least got two things in common,” Musgraves recounted, indicating that her approach was straight-forward and candid. This honesty opened the door for Lambert to agree to the collaboration, which Musgraves described as a “full circle” moment for both artists.
Once together, Musgraves and Lambert managed to resolve any lingering tension, as Musgraves noted how they “aired out any of the old laundry” during their songwriting session. The two reportedly penned the humorous track in just a few hours, with Musgraves emphasising the light-hearted nature of the song.
Musgraves expressed a hope that the song could serve as a reflection of how individuals might approach their differences. “Just sit down and poke fun at each other, have a beer and call it a day,” she shared, suggesting that a more playful approach could benefit wider relationships, as well.
On March 11, as part of her album launch, Musgraves unveiled the lead single from “Middle of Nowhere,” titled “Dry Spell”, complemented by a humorous music video. Additionally, she shared the full tracklist for the album, which features a range of collaborations, including esteemed artists like Willie Nelson and Billy Strings.
Set for release on May 1, “Middle of Nowhere” marks Musgraves’ return to Lost Highway Records and comes two years after her last album, “Deeper Well.” The anticipation surrounding the new album is heightened by Musgraves’ candid reflections on her past relationships in the industry, making it a significant offering for fans and newcomers alike. As the country music scene evolves, her story of collaboration and reconciliation is a testament to the resilience and growth in the face of industry pressures and personal challenges.