Lainey Wilson’s ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’ Video Pays Homage to ‘The Wizard of Oz’
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In a world of music where creativity knows no bounds, Lainey Wilson shines with her latest music video, ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’. A magical journey ensues as the country star takes fans on an unexpected plane ride through computer-generated cotton candy skies, lounges on a bed amidst a vast field, and strolls through the desert with her real-life French Bulldog, Hippie, at her side. This visual spectacle marks a departure for Wilson, pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territory in her artistry.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Wilson, who is set to release the deluxe edition of her album ‘Whirlwind’ next month, shares her exhilarating experience in creating the music video. She expresses, “I had the time of my life doing it. I was doing all kinds of things, pretending to be falling through the air, the sky, and all of these crazy things that I had never done before.” The video for ‘Somewhere Over Laredo,’ a track from Wilson’s 2024 album Whirlwind, made its mark as her biggest streaming debut, a feat that the Grammy winner humbly acknowledges.
Wilson reflects on the success of the song, sharing, “Sometimes you just throw things against the wall and you see what sticks, and this one right here feels like it’s going to be one of those songs that I am happy to sing 30 years from now.” The nostalgia and connection ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’ evokes in listeners resonate deeply with Wilson, placing the track in a special spot in her musical journey.
The conversation delves deeper into the making of the music video, with Wilson shedding light on her choice to infuse a trippy feel into the visual representation of the song. Drawing parallels to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and its iconic themes like the “Yellow Brick Road” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Wilson found it crucial to pay homage to timeless classics while forging her own path in creativity.
The collaborative effort behind the music video’s creation shines through as Wilson explains, “We definitely knew that we wanted to tap into that [‘Wizard of Oz’ world], and so we gave the director some kind of heads up that like, ‘Hey, we’re interested in tapping into this, how can we kind of lean into a little bit of that?’ It was a collaborative effort, I guess you could say, especially bridging the gap between going really trippy [and] into the western side of things.”
Additionally, Wilson proudly shares that her beloved French Bulldog, Hippie Mae Wilson, made a special appearance in the video, adding a personal touch to the production. With Hippie by her side, Wilson embarked on a visual journey that encapsulates the essence of ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’ and enhances the storytelling aspect of the track.
As the conversation shifts towards Wilson’s upcoming projects, she teases at new music in the works, hinting at a continuation of the themes explored in ‘Whirlwind’. With a dedication to crafting meaningful songs that resonate with her journey and growth, Wilson’s next project promises to be a heartfelt narrative of her evolving experiences.
Looking towards the future, Wilson shares her dream collaborations, expressing her desire to work with artists like Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, and Eric Church. As she navigates the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, Wilson’s passion for creating authentic, soul-stirring music remains unwavering.
In closing, Wilson reflects on her latest venture, Golden West, a boot line that complements her music and personal style. The success of the ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’ boot within the collection highlights Wilson’s unique approach to blending creativity across different artistic mediums, showcasing her ability to resonate with audiences beyond the realm of music.
Indeed, Lainey Wilson’s artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft, as she continues to captivate audiences with her storytelling, music, and creative ventures. As she prepares to release the deluxe edition of ‘Whirlwind’ and delves into new projects, Wilson’s star shines bright in the constellation of country music, offering a glimpse into the boundless creativity and heartfelt storytelling that define her artistry.