Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris is shedding light on her journey of challenging norms within the country music industry and ultimately deciding to take a step back. Morris, recognized for her iconic hits and recent project “The Bridge,” has been a vocal advocate for change, challenging the status quo, and pushing boundaries.
“I’ve always been an asker of questions and a status quo challenger just by being a woman. So it wasn’t really even a choice,” Morris revealed, emphasizing her inclination to question conventions and seek answers. As she delved deeper into the country music business, she became increasingly aware of the flaws and disparities present within the genre. “The further you get into the country music business, that’s when you start to see the cracks. And once you see it, you can’t un-see it,” she stated.
Expressing her disconnection from the country music industry and its politics, Morris revealed her desire for change. “I thought I’d like to burn it to the ground and start over,” she admitted, highlighting her frustration with the industry. However, she acknowledged that the genre is undergoing a transformation on its own.
Despite attempts to advocate for change within the industry, Morris found herself facing resistance and criticism. “I’m trying to mature here and realize I can just walk away from the parts of this that no longer make me happy,” she said, reflecting on her decision to step back from certain aspects of the country music community.
Being one of the prominent women in the country music scene, Morris discussed the unique challenges she faced, emphasizing the heightened scrutiny placed upon female artists. Despite these challenges, she’s determined to focus on her music and step away from the drama within the community.
Watch the full New York Times Podcast here: