Maren Morris Reflects on Personal Growth and Support for LGBTQ+ Community
NEW YORK (AP) — Country artist Maren Morris has been an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, often engaging in debates on topics such as gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Initially, she believed she was merely acting as an ally. However, she later realized her advocacy was also a form of self-expression.
“I hadn’t yet found the courage to acknowledge this in myself and voice it aloud,” Morris shared, revealing her bisexuality. “Spending most of my life in heterosexual relationships made me question whether it was the right moment to share my attraction to women, especially while married.”
Over the past year, the Grammy winner has undergone significant personal transformations, including a divorce from fellow musician Ryan Hurd. These experiences have deeply influenced her latest album, “Dreamsicle,” released recently.
Morris explained, “This album has offered me a newfound freedom. It feels wiser and more enriched, which may come with being in my 30s; you learn not to care as much.”
New Musical Directions
Crafted after her 2022 album “Humble Quest,” the 35-year-old singer-songwriter presents 14 tracks that blend traditional country, pop, soft rock, and dreamy bluegrass. This album showcases the eclectic style she’s known for, featuring collaborations with producer Jack Antonoff and others, with Morris contributing to every song.
Touching on personal turmoil, she said, “I was writing amid personal losses and transformations…sometimes I avoided going home, losing myself in writing sessions.” Her emotional state is evident in tracks like the Americana-flavored “grand bouquet” and the upbeat “cry in the car,” which mask deeper feelings of heartbreak.
Exploring New Themes
Although some songs reflect grief and loss, she also delves into positive experiences, describing the vibrancy of her first date with a woman in the single “push me over,” developed alongside queer band MUNA. Morris perceives the title track as the most significant representation of this era, saying it emerged from a moment of introspection at 3 a.m. when she recognized the need for change.
As she looks forward to her upcoming global tour this July, she expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received since coming out, particularly in a Nashville scene sometimes criticized for its lack of tolerance. “Dreamsicle” is not merely a reflection of hardship; instead, it celebrates the journey of healing and connection.
More importantly, she emphasizes that the album is not a “divorce record,” but a testament to resilience. “It deals with grief and the friends who helped me heal. If I can navigate this, I hope it inspires others facing their own struggles,” she concluded.
