Lainey Wilson Reflects On Personal Blessings From 2020
Who'd have thought Lainey's favorite uplifting song is a timeless classic?!
Rising country star Lainey Wilson has just released her highly-anticipated debut record, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. While fans are getting to hear the album in its entirety for the very first time, the collection was actually recorded and long completed in March 2019—two years ago.
However, as excited as Wilson was to preview the songs on the road last year, just like every other touring musician, the global pandemic grounded her.
“I’m thankful for Zoom and I’m thankful for things like this where I can stay connected. But for me, a handshake and hug around the neck goes a whole lot more,” Wilson tells Sounds Like Nashville over a recent Zoom interview. “I really want to get to my people and see them face to face.”
Another curveball that the Louisiana native has had to overcome? Learning how to write songs synchronously over Zoom. “Never in a million years did I think we’d be doing that, but we figured it out,” Wilson admits. “You honestly have to search for inspiration in a lot of different places, especially when you’re not out there living life. It’s kind of weird. You don’t have a whole lot to write about, at least about your experiences, but you kinda have to dig from a different place.”
When she’s not writing, Wilson is a plain ol’ fan of music, just like anyone else. Her go-to song for a good pick-me-up? Lee Ann Womack’s timeless classic, “I Hope You Dance.”
“I remember exactly where I was when I first heard that song. I was in fourth grade. I just remember the way that it made me feel, and will never forget that,” the singer shares. “It’s those songs where you remember where you were and how it made you feel. I will listen to that song forever [and] play it for my kids one day.”
In retrospect, the “Things A Man Oughta Know” singer adds that while 2020 was a challenging year, the pandemic gifted her with some silver linings. She got to spend quality time with her family down in Louisiana and see her “sweet little nephew [start] walking for the first time.” Personally, too, Wilson also had time to hit pause and reflect—something the go-getter wasn’t necessarily the most comfortable with.
“I’ve gotten the chance to take a step back, really take a breath and get to know me and what I really really want,” she shares with gratitude.
With the self-reflection time 2020 afforded her, Wilson is fired up to finally have her “bell bottom country” debut album out for the masses to hear and enjoy.
“Life has been crazy this past year for everybody, but I feel like more than ever, people need music—and now feels like a good time.”
To find out more about Lainey Wilson, read our latest interview with her HERE and check out the newcomer’s autobiographical record, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, below!
