Introduction
It’s always inspiring to hear stories of artists who’ve truly put in the work, and our recent conversation with a rising country star, fresh off a number one hit, was no exception. We delved into her incredible journey, from humble beginnings to navigating the unique pressures of success in today’s music landscape.
The Road to Number One: “For the Wind”
Her latest single, “For the Wind,” recently soared to number one, a massive achievement she co-wrote with Joy Beth Taylor and Johnny Clawson. A fun fact: Johnny Clawson was a waiter for years before his songwriting success, even performing stand-up during our host’s touring days. It truly is amazing to see talent flourish!
Their collaborative journey began two years ago in Key West, where they initially met and even had a brief romantic relationship before becoming close friends and songwriting partners. This unique dynamic highlights the sometimes intertwined personal and professional lives of artists.
Solo Success and Self-Belief
While she’s no stranger to hits (her previous duet “You Look Like You Love Me” was also a success), this solo number one feels different. It’s a testament to her individual artistry and a powerful boost to her confidence. As she puts it, achieving it once is great, but proving you can do it again, especially solo, truly validates the hard work.
The Evolution of a Musician: From Piano to Pro
Her musical journey began early, with piano lessons as a child. Despite a rocky start (her teacher found her too young because she was trying to learn by ear!), she regrets not sticking with it. Ultimately, the guitar became her primary instrument, picking up her grandfather’s after he passed away around age 13 or 14.
Music was always her calling. From singing everywhere as a child, including after dentist appointments, she always knew she wanted to pursue it professionally. The trigger for her move to Nashville came after two years at Auburn, playing countless four-hour cover gigs in acoustic bars across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. She realized she had honed her live performance skills but needed to learn songwriting. Dropping out of college, she moved to Nashville, sharing a “frat house” with three male musicians, making money solely through her music.
The Grind and The Covers
Her early days were filled with cover gigs, with Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party” being her most-played song since she was 18. While she dabbled in playing covers on Broadway in Nashville, she found it to be a different beast due to saturation and lower pay. Instead, she was proactive, sending countless Facebook messages and emails to venues outside of Nashville to book gigs, some of which are only now getting replies years later!
Initially, her sets were a mix of covers and originals, gradually shifting towards more original material as she gained an audience. Her first tour as an artist with Randy Houser saw her balancing familiar covers with her emerging songs to engage new listeners.
The Surreal Reality of Success and the Perils of Perfection
The last few years have been a whirlwind of surreal moments, as she reflects on listening to country music as a child and now being part of the next generation of female artists she admired. Despite the success, she remains grounded, often surprised by packed headline shows, always hoping people will show up.
The increased scrutiny of artists in the digital age is a challenge. Every move is documented, every “stank face” scrutinized. There’s a pressure to be “perfect” in an industry where edited photos and auto-tuned music are the norm. She’s a staunch advocate for authenticity in live performances, refusing to use live auto-tune (or “running tune”) despite industry pressure. She believes the beauty of a live show lies in its imperfections – forgetting lyrics, vocal fluctuations, or simply being out of breath from performing. It’s about showcasing the artist as they truly are.
The Art of Songwriting: Therapy and Deliberate Creation
With touring demands, songwriting has become a deliberate, less frequent process. She values dedicated time for writing, preferring not to squeeze it between other commitments. While she writes fewer songs now, her strike rate is much higher, no longer needing to write a hundred songs to find ten she likes. She largely collaborates with trusted co-writers, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Co-writing, though initially daunting, has been instrumental in her development as a songwriter. Sharing intimate details with relative strangers can feel like “therapy with someone who wasn’t trained,” but it allows for valuable feedback and a collaborative approach to crafting personal and relatable songs.
Some songs, deeply personal and written therapeutically, even take on new meaning after they’re released. “Girl Taken Home” is one such song, becoming even more relatable to her over time. This raw honesty, she believes, is what truly connects with fans, revealing the shared human experience without “fluff.”
Family, Fame, and Future Advice
Her parents are constantly baffled and overjoyed by her success, especially coming from a “small, humble town.” Her dad, always supportive but a little more skeptical initially, is now dreaming big, even eyeing a new tractor!For her, the best part of success is having a voice for issues she cares about and an audience for her music. It’s also the ability to take care of her friends and family. While still figuring out the “fame” aspect, she notes the perk of free clothes once you’re successful – a stark contrast to her broke days!
When asked who she’d call for advice on her next album, her answer was immediate: Miranda Lambert. Miranda’s consistent career, hit-making ability, and unwavering authenticity make her an undeniable inspiration. She admires Miranda’s ability to stay true to herself and always do what feels right, even if it’s unconventional.
Paying it Forward and the Power of Influence
She recognizes the incredible opportunity that comes with her platform, particularly in shining a light on other talented artists. She proudly champions other women in music, like Caitlyn Butson, whose song gained traction after she shared it on TikTok. It’s a clear example of how she uses her influence to lift others up and provide the opportunities she herself has been given.
Dad’s Calls and Tattoos: The Personal Touches
Her dad’s reactions to online “drama” (often fan fiction) are a constant source of amusement, and he’s slowly coming to terms with her tattoos. The first one, a treble clef she got at 18 (despite not being able to read music at the time!), led to a memorable confrontation during a Thanksgiving visit.
Looking Ahead
With a new single featuring Hardy on the horizon, she’s continuing her upward trajectory. She’s also grateful for her experiences touring with Morgan Wallen, noting his and his band’s kindness and invaluable advice