How Maren Morris ‘Test Drives’ All of Her Songs

"...I just have always put a lot of stock into how something sounds in your car because that’s where a lot of people are when they are listening to the radio obviously," she explained.

Written by Kelly Brickey
How Maren Morris ‘Test Drives’ All of Her Songs
Maren Morris; Photo credit: John Shearer

There’s something sweet and nostalgic about hearing one of your favorite songs blaring through the car speakers. That’s exactly why Maren Morris seeks approval for her songs by conducting a little “test drive” before cutting the records.

The authentic nature of the sound grooving through a car audio system is Morris’ go-to for figuring out if her sound and lyrics are on the right path to success. Steering her in the right direction, the “80s Mercedes” singer trusts the gritty speakers to give her the green light on which song fits her persona more.

“As a writer, I would always go play my demos after I received them in my car,” Morris said. “I wouldn’t play them at my publisher’s office, or at my house on a speaker. It’s all about a moment that you are sitting in and I don’t know I just have always put a lot of stock into how something sounds in your car because that’s where a lot of people are when they are listening to the radio obviously. That’s my litmus test for if a song holds up. Does it sound good on these speakers?”

Morris’ connection between cars and music seems ever-present as she even mentions in her hit, “My Church,” that listening to the radio is like a spiritual experience for her. She even dedicates an ode to her vintage ride in “80s Mercedes,” so it’s no surprise that she gains insight when she’s in that driver’s seat.

Morris was recently nominated in the categories for Best New Artist, Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The show will air live on Sunday, February 12, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.