Introducing… Maren Morris

Written by Katie Roth
Introducing… Maren Morris

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Country newcomer Maren Morris is taking the world by storm with the release of her self-titled EP that hit Spotify in early August. The 25-year-old Texas native signed to Sony Music Nashville in September and is currently working on her debut album.

Maren’s songwriting ability is bar none, and it shows throughout every song on her EP. Some of her songwriting credits include Tim McGraw’s “Last Turn Home” from his Sundown Heaven Town album and Kelly Clarkson’s “Second Wind” from her latest album, Piece by Piece. You can catch Maren on the road this Fall with Sam Hunt and Little Big Town.

Get to know Maren Morris with our exclusive Q&A below!

“My Church” has become a viral hit (2 million+ streams on Spotify)! What was going through your head when you saw the streams continue to grow?!

MM: “Is there a glitch?” Haha, I really was astonished at the amount of traction it got. I haven’t put music out in so long, so having that kind of response was overwhelming in the best way.

Has music always a big part of your life?

MM: Music has always found its way to me. I wasn’t really the kid at three years old who could sing; I realized I loved singing when I was about 9 or 10 when I’d monopolize the karaoke machine at my parents’ parties. It sort of caught on from there, but I’ve always loved music, even as a young child. The sense memory with the music you hear that early on sticks with you forever.

Who are some of your greatest influences?

MM: Patty Griffin has always been a staple. Always had a thing for Tom Waits, The Beatles, Chaka Khan, Otis Redding, Jack White, Johnny Cash, The Cardigans… but honestly, I’m not a music snob. I can switch from a Springsteen song to a Spice Girls song quite seamlessly. I’m influenced by all genres with my own music.

We saw you were able to attend Kelly Clarkson’s Nashville recently. How did it feel to hear ‘Second Wind’ performed by Kelly in front of thousands at the Bridgestone Arena?

MM: Another milestone moment for me. I had never heard a song I had written performed live by another artist, especially in that capacity. Hearing it that loud in an arena was ridiculous as it was conceived in a studio not much bigger than an airplane bathroom! I was dancing and singing along like a fool the entire time. Kelly really is one of the few world class singers left today, so to have her bring such justice to something I had a hand in, I really couldn’t have been happier.

Another one of our favorites off the EP is “80s Mercedes.” Tell us the story behind that song.

MM: Thank you! The title fell out in conversation when I was in LA earlier this year, and I immediately thought it was a great song title. I brought it to my cowriter Busbee who immediately asked “When were you born?” I said “1990,” which he followed with the line “I’m a 90’s baby in my 80’s Mercedes.” It instantly started flowing after that and became this gigantic homage to John Hughes films and the feeling you get in a car with history and style. We really had so much fun writing it, so the response to that song has been really gratifying.

Who is your dream tour mate and why?

MM: I would love to tour with Bruno Mars at some point. His music is this perfect stew of throwback and modern, and he pulls it off so effortlessly, while also being one of the best live performers I’ve seen. Is a duet with Springsteen too high of a bar? Haha, I honestly wouldn’t be able to walk onto the stage if that ever happened.

What’s next for you – Are you hitting the road, working on a full length album? What should the fans be on the lookout for?

MM: I am currently finishing the album before I leave for the road. We’re spending the next month doing runs with Sam Hunt, Little Big Town and a show in Austin with Loretta Lynn. There are some very exciting things in the pipeline as far as touring goes, which I can’t wait to announce.

What’s on your artist “bucket list?”

MM: Making an album I’m proud of, headlining my own tour someday, traveling and writing in new places, meeting inspiring people, collaborating with those I love and respect. I have had way too much coffee as I do this interview, so I could keep going for a while… haha

Fans can keep up with Maren Morris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.