Kacey Musgraves has shared intimate details about her childhood home in East Texas, a significant influence behind her forthcoming album, *Middle of Nowhere*, set to release on May 1. During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Grammy-winning artist delved into the meaning of this “sacred” property, a site rich with history that has remained in her family for over a century.
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The East Texas home, described by Musgraves as having dramatically shaped her identity, offers not just nostalgia but also a sense of grounding. “My special little place in Texas has just exponentially shaped who I am as a person,” she revealed, referencing the pink bungalow that holds memories from various chapters of her life. For Musgraves, revisiting this residence is a means of reconnecting with her roots.
Musgraves provided more context about her family’s storytelling within the property. Her ancestors built a farmhouse on the land circa 1909, which, unfortunately, met an unexpected demise when it burned down in 2014. However, Musgraves managed to purchase a smaller adjacent house — also a family legacy — and has since painted it pink to honour her late grandmother. This choice reflects her deep ties to the property, which she views as a canvas of familial love and history.
The home, which Musgraves describes as a “beautiful time capsule,” retains much of its original character. She expressed her hesitance to make extensive renovations as the place speaks vividly of her childhood experiences. “It’s not a house that a lot of people would walk into and go, ‘Oh, this is really nice.’ It’s imperfect; it’s old,” she noted, revealing that her own upbringing in the house was marked by simplicity devoid of modern conveniences like cable television and central heating.
Musgraves reminisced about her formative years spent in the house, often barefoot on the porch, entertaining herself by singing to trees long before her career took off. These experiences are not just echoes of the past; they represent the warmth and purity of her upbringing, which permeates her creative work.
The album *Middle of Nowhere* draws its thematic essence from these reflections. Musgraves recalls a day spent wandering her hometown, where she stumbled across a sign proclaiming, “Somewhere in the middle of nowhere.” This moment sparked inspiration for a song that eventually influenced the entire record, encapsulating feelings of solitude and independence. “It’s just kind of this notion that I’m somewhere in the middle of nowhere and no one can reach me on my phone, and I’m totally fine with that,” she explained.
The upcoming album embodies a sense of confidence and freedom that Musgraves has sourced from her experiences in her hometown. She articulated the blend of comfort and self-sufficiency inherent in feeling content while alone.
In her efforts to connect with fans further, Musgraves has partnered with Zillow, offering an immersive listing of her childhood home, allowing admirers to explore the place that profoundly impacted her life and work. “I just think it’s a fun and unexpected medium to tell a story and sort of honour my past,” she remarked, indicating her enthusiasm for using the real estate platform creatively.
Musgraves’ fondness for Zillow can be traced back to her fascination with exploring potential homes while on tour, demonstrating her imaginative engagement with different lifestyles. “I found my current house on Zillow, actually,” she mused, highlighting how integral the platform has been to her own journey.
As anticipation builds for the release of *Middle of Nowhere*, Kacey Musgraves encourages fans to view her childhood home, allowing them to witness the space that has inspired her artistic vision. This personal connection to her past will undoubtedly resonate with listeners, imbuing her music with authenticity and depth reflective of her rich history.