On a warm, cloudless April Saturday in Tennessee, the life of Kacey Musgraves feels like a song straight out of her own discography. The talented singer-songwriter is driving southbound to rural Williamsport, just an hour away from her Nashville home. She plans to go horseback riding and spend time by the river with friends. “A good friend of mine has a beautiful farm on hundreds of acres,” she shares in her signature Texas twang. “It’s on the Duck River, which is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the world. It has all these specific species of things that don’t exist anywhere else. It’s really clean and beautiful, organic and peaceful. My friends and I go out there, bring a picnic and just live our best lives — barefoot, dirty, in the river. It’s so fun.”
Such serene excursions have deeply influenced her songwriting, evident in tracks like “Space Cowboy,” “Oh What a World,” “Butterflies,” and “Cardinal.” For Musgraves, these moments away from the hustle of life are essential for her mental well-being. “Horses have given me such an outlet for tranquility. It’s something that takes me outside of looking at my phone screen,” she explains. “It gets me to look up, look out, breathe oxygen in.” As the day before Easter and 4/20 approaches, Musgraves reflects on her past habits. In the title track of her album Deeper Well, she candidly admits to having “used to wake and bake” but notes, “I’m getting rid of the habits that I feel are real good at wasting my time.”
More than a year after the release of Deeper Well, Musgraves is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career. In a recent announcement, it has been revealed that she will be the first artist signed to the newly relaunched Lost Highway Records. This move marks a full-circle moment for Musgraves, who was the final artist signed by Lost Highway before it folded into Mercury Nashville in 2012. The revival of the label, now under the leadership of Robert Knotts and Jake Gear, is a significant milestone in the country music industry, highlighting the evolving landscape of the genre.
As part of her return to Lost Highway, Musgraves recorded her own rendition of “Lost Highway,” a classic song by Hank Williams. This decision aligns perfectly with her artistic vision, showcasing her willingness to blend traditional country elements with modern sensibilities. In an interview, Musgraves emphasizes, “I never left [traditional country]. It’s always been a home base, and it’s truly where I’m sonically the most happy.” She acknowledges the richness of country music, noting, “The best country music is full of layers of heart and real life, real stories.”
When asked about her reaction to being the first signee of the new Lost Highway, Musgraves expresses her excitement and nostalgia. “It made me very emotional, because it brought back so many memories,” she recalls. She fondly remembers her first signing with the label and the impact it had on her career. “I have always been such a massive fan of Lost Highway. It was my dream to be signed there,” she adds, referring to the label's commitment to unique and innovative artistry.
Musgraves discusses the importance of having a creative space where artists can thrive without the pressure to conform. She reflects on the diverse roster of artists that Lost Highway has represented, including Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams. “When you can look at artists who have made it work doing it their own way, it does give other artists permission to say, ‘That’s what I want to do,’” she states.
Musgraves is not afraid to push boundaries, as evidenced by her hit song “Follow Your Arrow,” which touches on themes of cannabis and LGBTQ+ acceptance. “I was told not to release the song and all these reasons why,” she recalls. “But I would never trade that for the love and the people it brought to my world.” She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her music, stating, “I’m not going to present a watered-down version of myself to be accepted.”
Looking ahead, Musgraves is excited about her new music and upcoming international tour. She is set to perform in South America, Asia, and Australia, including a debut in Brazil. “I know the energy and the fans there are unlike anywhere else,” she says. “It’s been really cool to see the rest of the world come to love country music, because, really, country is more about a mentality and an attitude versus geography.” As she continues to explore her sound, fans eagerly await what Musgraves will bring to the table next.
