Kacey Musgraves, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her genre-blending music, shares heartfelt insights about her mentor John Prine and the impact of his work on her own artistry. She discusses her latest album, "Deeper Into The Well," and its unique style. Kacey also delights in playful anecdotes about her childhood memories from the Sweet Potato Festival and her whimsical armadillo Halloween costume. The conversation dives into themes of inspiration, nostalgia, and personal growth, highlighting Kacey's infectious spirit and creativity.
Kacey Musgraves highlights John Prine's profound influence on her songwriting, showcasing how their friendship inspired her creative expression and personal growth.
Musgraves discusses the unpredictable nature of inspiration, revealing how everyday experiences, including dreams and conflicts, can spark her songwriting process.
Deep dives
Exploration of Artistic Influence
The conversation highlights the profound influence of John Prine on Kacey Musgraves, illustrating how Prine's songwriting and storytelling style shaped her own musical perspective. Musgraves shares personal anecdotes about their friendship, emphasizing how his character and humor left a lasting impression on her. She recounts a significant connection with a cardinal she began noticing after Prine's passing, interpreting it as a form of communication from him. This experience inspired her song 'Cardinal,' showcasing how personal relationships can deeply intertwine with artistic creation.
Nature of Inspiration
Musgraves discusses the elusive nature of inspiration and how it can strike unexpectedly in everyday situations. She describes finding potential song titles during heated arguments, demonstrating how even conflicts can spark creativity. Additionally, she reveals that dreams can contribute to her songwriting process, with song titles sometimes emerging while she sleeps. This highlights the organic and spontaneous aspects of artistic expression, emphasizing that inspiration can come from the most ordinary moments in life.
Navigating Personal Growth
As she reflects on her ongoing journey, Musgraves shares insights about entering new chapters in life and the importance of self-evaluation. She suggests that as people age, they must consciously assess their relationships and habits, sometimes making tough decisions to foster personal growth. Musgraves notes that what worked in earlier decades might not be effective in later stages, underscoring the evolving nature of self-discovery. This perspective encourages others to embrace change and continually seek deeper understanding in their lives.
GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriter Kacey Musgraves talks about her dear friend and mentor John Prine and what drew her to his music even before she had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with the legendary musician. An expanded version of Kacey’s latest album, titled “Deeper Into The Well,” is streaming now and will be available on vinyl beginning this Friday. After you've listened to her EXTENDED interview on the podcast, watch her performance of "Arm's Length" on The Late Show's YouTube channel!