Lainey Wilson, a rising country music star known for her hit "Things a Man Oughta Know," shares her inspiring journey from a tiny Louisiana town to Nashville. She reveals the grit it took to write over 300 songs before landing a record deal, reflecting on the emotional challenges of touring and the importance of self-care. Lainey discusses playing alongside legends like Dolly Parton and The Rolling Stones, while addressing the scrutiny female artists face in the industry. Her story is a testament to resilience and authenticity in chasing dreams.
Lainey Wilson's journey from a small Louisiana town to Nashville exemplifies her grit and determination to achieve her music dreams.
Through authentic storytelling, Lainey Wilson emphasizes the importance of reflecting diverse life experiences and giving voice to the unheard in her songs.
Recognizing the challenges of fame, Lainey prioritizes self-care and mental well-being while navigating the pressures of social media and public perception.
Deep dives
Lainey Wilson's Journey to Success
Lainey Wilson's determination to become a country music star was evident from a young age, despite coming from a non-musical family in a small Louisiana town. After high school, she moved to Nashville in a camper trailer and faced significant challenges, writing over 300 songs in her first three years before signing her first record deal. Her breakthrough came in 2021 with the release of her hit single, 'Things a Man Ought to Know,' which quickly climbed the charts, leading to several awards, including a Grammy for Best Country Album. This experience illustrates her grit and resilience in pursuing her dreams despite the odds.
The Role of Authenticity in Music
Lainey Wilson emphasizes the importance of authenticity and storytelling in country music, reflecting on how her own life experiences shape the narratives within her songs. Although she often writes about personal experiences, she also seeks to represent the stories of others, particularly those who might feel unheard or marginalized. Collaborations with artists like Hardy have allowed her to tackle sensitive subjects such as domestic abuse, showcasing her ability to empathize with diverse perspectives. Her commitment to honest songwriting resonates deeply with her audience, making her music more relatable and impactful.
Balancing Personal Life and Fame
As Lainey Wilson navigates the complexities of fame and personal life, she recognizes the significance of self-care and mental well-being. Although she thrives on interactions with fans and the energy of performing, she acknowledges the need to recharge by spending time alone or with close friends and family. Lainey also addresses the challenges posed by social media, admitting that while she had to learn to separate her identity from public perception, negativity can still affect her emotionally. This awareness highlights the ongoing struggle artists face to maintain their mental health amidst the pressures of success.
Influence and Mentorship in the Industry
Lainey Wilson's rise in the music industry is accompanied by her appreciation for the artists who paved the way for her success, such as Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert. She values the mentorship she receives from established artists, drawing inspiration from their journeys to understand the importance of community within the music world. By actively supporting and encouraging emerging female artists, Lainey aims to create a more inclusive atmosphere in a traditionally male-dominated genre. Her commitment to uplifting fellow musicians exhibits her dedication to progressing the country music landscape for future generations.
Defining Her Own Path in Music
From her signature bell-bottom style to her unique sound, Lainey Wilson has crafted an image that is distinctively her own. She attributes her success to hard work and continuous evolution, noting that while the industry has changed significantly, her love for songwriting remains constant. As she collaborates with notable producers like Jay Joyce, Lainey focuses on creating music that reflects her personality and artistic vision rather than conforming to industry norms. This approach allows her to connect with audiences on a personal level while defining her path as an artist.
At just 8 years-old, Lainey Wilson announced to her family that she was destined to become a country music star. There were no other musicians in her family to speak of—for five generations her people had been farmers in a tiny Northern Louisiana town with the population of 180.
After graduating high school, Lainey drove North to Nashville in a camper trailer that she lived in alone for three years. Success did not come easy. In those first three years, Lainey wrote over 300 songs, and it wasn’t until year eight that she finally signed a record deal. All of her hard work finally paid off in 2021, when her debut single “Things A Man Oughta Know” raced up the country music charts. Several radio hits followed, and last year Lainey swept the award season, winning a ton of trophies including the Grammy for "Best Country Album" and “Entertainer Of The Year” at the Country Music Awards.
In August, Lainey scored her first crossover hit with the release of her latest album, “Whirlwind,” which debuted at number three on Billboard, and became the highest-selling album of her career.
On today’s episode, Leah Rose talks to Lainey Wilson about how grit and determination became one of the central pillars of her success. Lainey also opens up about being physically objectified online, and the reality of playing alongside some of her musical heroes like The Rolling Stones and Dolly Parton. Check out the full video of this interview and other recent episodes atyoutube.com/brokenrecordpodcast.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Lainey Wilson songs HERE.
