Kacey Musgraves has announced the exciting inclusion of country legend Willie Nelson on her forthcoming album, *Middle of Nowhere*, featured in a track titled “Uncertain, TX.” This collaboration marks a notable moment in Musgraves’ career, underscoring her admiration for the iconic artist.
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In a recent dialogue with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the 37-year-old Grammy winner expressed her deep respect for Nelson, describing him as “the patriarch of truth, country music.” She fondly referred to him as “everyone’s favourite gangster great-grandpa,” praising his ability to unite diverse groups of people through his music. Musgraves felt fortunate to have now collaborated with Nelson on three separate occasions.
The partnership between Musgraves and the 93-year-old Nelson is not a new phenomenon. The two have joined forces in both live performances and previous recordings, including the tracks “Are You Sure,” from Musgraves’ acclaimed *Pageant Material*, as well as “A Willie Nice Christmas” from her festive album, *A Very Kacey Christmas*. Their chemistry in the studio has become increasingly evident and well-received by fans.
Musgraves outlined her unique studio experience with Nelson, explaining that he completes recordings with astonishing efficiency. “He walks in, does the take, and literally, that’s it,” she shared, noting that Nelson operates under a very clear timeframe. With a humorous nod to his age, she added, “He’s like, ‘I’m in my 90s… I’m giving you 30 seconds, and then I’m out.'” This efficiency is something Musgraves greatly appreciates, highlighting Nelson’s legendary status in the industry.
While speaking about their studio sessions, Musgraves offered a playful insight into her recreational experiences with the celebrated musician. Recalling a particular encounter, she said, “I had to take a pause.” Although she admitted to not indulging in cannabis as frequently as before, she recounted feeling increasingly anxious during their time together. “I just started getting really paranoid and crazy. Like, I just need to kind of back off,” she laughed.
Given Nelson’s own iconic association with cannabis culture, Musgraves cautioned about the complexities of smoking alongside him. “You got to be really careful,” she advised, noting the overwhelming effects that can arise. “You’re just like, I don’t know how to form sentences anymore. My motor skills are completely gone,” she remarked, highlighting the enjoyable yet challenging nature of such experiences.
The anticipation surrounding *Middle of Nowhere* continues to grow, with its release scheduled for May 1. In addition to her collaboration with Nelson, the album is expected to feature contributions from celebrated musicians including Gregory Alan Isakov, Billy Strings, and Miranda Lambert, promising a diverse and rich musical experience.
As Kacey Musgraves navigates her fusion of personal artistry and collaboration with giants like Willie Nelson, it is clear that the country music landscape remains dynamic and vibrant. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to hear the new sounds that emerge from this exciting artistic partnership as the album release date approaches.