Maren Morris Unleashes Shocking Revelations: Inside the Dark Secrets and Bold Retreats of the Country Music Industry
Maren Morris speaks out against the country music industry, highlighting scandals and her decision to step back She challenges conservative stereotypes, emphasizes the need for growth and accountability, and discusses the importance of unity within the genre Morris addresses the deeper meaning behind her music and takes responsibility for her own faults While critical, she remains committed to country music and aims to bring positive change Maren Morris' powerful insights and calls for transformation make a lasting impact on the industry
Maren Morris fearlessly exercises her voice, unafraid to speak up against her fellow country music artists. She burst onto the country music scene in 2015 with her self-titled EP and has since made waves in both the music industry and media. The singer of the hit song "Circles Around This Town" has consistently voiced her concerns about certain colleagues, such as Morgan Wallen and Jason Aldean, when their actions negatively impacted the reputation of country music as a whole.
Despite attempts by some fans to drive Morris out of the genre, she remained undeterred. In 2016, her songs "My Church" and "80s Mercedes" achieved great success, despite the negative comments from haters. During an interview on The New York Times' "Popcast" podcast in October 2023, Morris reminisced about this experience, describing it as an ominous sign of things to come.
In September 2023, Morris gained attention for her release of The Bridge EP, which led many to believe she was leaving the country music genre. However, this assumption was far from the truth.
"I can no longer bear to bid farewell, but I am unable to continue engaging in the highly toxic aspects of this institution," she conveyed. "I am content with pursuing my own path. If you wish, join me; everyone is encouraged to do so."
Continue reading to discover Morris' astute observations on the disadvantages of country music:
Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
Maren Morris' Most Critical Quotes About the Country Music Industry: From Scandals to Stepping Back
Maren Morris isn’t afraid to use her voice — even if it means speaking out against her fellow country music stars.
Morris burst onto the country music scene in 2015 with her self-titled EP. Since then, she has continuously made music and grabbed headlines. Never one to hold back, the singer has fearlessly called out fellow artists like Morgan Wallen and Jason Aldean when their actions reflected poorly on the country music community.
Despite facing criticism and attempts to push her out of the genre, Morris remained resilient. With the success of her 2016 hits "My Church" and "80s Mercedes," haters would say, "You don't belong here." Morris recounted this experience during an interview on The New York Times' "Popcast" podcast in October 2023, recognizing it as a sign of what was to come.
Morris garnered attention in September 2023 after dropping her EP, The Bridge. Reports initially suggested she was bidding farewell to country music, but this is not the case. Morris clarified, stating, "I don't want to bid goodbye, yet I cannot continue to be a part of the negative aspects within this industry. I am content pursuing my own path. If you'd like, you're welcome to join me – everyone is invited."
Scroll down to see more of Morris’ most insightful comments about country music’s pitfalls:
Credit: Shutterstock
Conservative Stereotypes
The Grammy winner fearlessly broke free on her sophomore album, GIRL, challenging conventional expectations about women in country music. Speaking to the BBC in June 2019, she expressed, "The common perception is that you have to either be a religious, virtuous conservative or a scorned woman burning down the house. Pop and R&B artists exude confidence, sexiness, and embrace their sexuality, so why aren't we doing the same in country and writing these kinds of songs?"
Credit: Shutterstock
Room to Grow
Conversations surrounding diversity in the country music community are not new, but they have gained significant traction with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. In March 2021, Morris acknowledged that there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of inclusivity within the genre. Speaking on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she expressed her belief that country music is gradually stepping up to the plate. As a white woman in country music, Morris acknowledged that she already has a certain advantage, but she hopes to exist in a genre that is actively working towards becoming better.
Credit: Shutterstock
Not Country Enough
In November 2020, the Texan artist opened up about discovering her authentic sound after winning the esteemed titles of Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Female Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards. Despite facing criticisms of not fitting the country mold, she acknowledged the arduous nature of establishing her unique style and musical direction, rather than imitating those who have already made their mark in the genre. Expressing gratitude to her supporters, she tweeted, "Thank you for embracing me on this journey."
Credit: Shutterstock
Who Gets 'Protected'
Morris was one of several prominent figures who expressed their thoughts following Wallen's public use of the derogatory term in a video recorded in February 2021. The singer of the popular song "Whiskey Glasses" later issued an apology once the scandal gained widespread attention, but Morris remained unmoved. "The fact is, this incident truly represents our community because it is not the first time he has been involved in such controversy, and just last month he broke a major streaming record, regardless of it all. We are all aware that this was not his inaugural use of that offensive word," she stated on Twitter at that time. "We continue to shower them with wealth and protection, without any consequences."
Credit: Shutterstock
Accountability Matters
"This is not about targeting individuals or a specific fan base for amusement," stated Morris during the annual Country Radio Seminar conference in February 2021. "It does not bring me joy. However, it is vital to acknowledge that when someone uses racist slurs, it is our responsibility to condemn that behavior. Simply put, not using such language should be the bare minimum. I strongly believe that your fans reflect who you are and your values. While you cannot control someone's actions, you can certainly make your stance clear to them."
Credit: Shutterstock
Act Like Family
Morris believes that it is important for country artists to engage in challenging discussions with their peers, even if it may lead to discomfort. In a conversation with Luke Combs in February 2021, she emphasized the need to speak up, regardless of the potential awkwardness of encountering them at future awards shows. "Call them out!" she urged. She expressed her belief that if the country music industry is truly a family that is cherished, it is crucial to address and eliminate any harmful aspects so that progress can be made. Morris emphasized that people from all backgrounds, including people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, should feel included and valued within this family. She stated that the concept of protecting our own should not solely prioritize white individuals, as this fails to protect the interests of Black people.
Credit: Shutterstock
There's 'Deeper Meaning'
After being pressed about the frequency of Confederate flags appearing at country concerts and festivals, the singer of "80s Mercedes" acknowledged that many country music listeners are unaware of the symbol's deeper meaning. During the annual Country Radio Seminar conference in February 2021, she expressed her discomfort with seeing Confederate flags in parking lots at these music festivals, and stated her decision not to perform at such events anymore. She raised the question, "If you were a Black person, would you ever feel safe attending a show with those flags flying in the parking lot? No."
Credit: Shutterstock
Owning Her Faults
During her speech at the 2021 Country Radio Seminar conference, Morris reflected on her career and how she has learned from her own mistakes, not just criticizing other country singers. She recalled an instance when writer Andrea Williams called her out for including R&B songs on her 2019 record with a predominantly white cast. At first, Morris felt defensive when Williams expressed this on Twitter, but she now acknowledges the importance of addressing cultural appropriation and culture vulturing. Morris has a deep love for country music and wants to honor its roots by respecting those who have contributed to its development. Moving forward, she is committed to educating herself and others in order to make positive changes.
Credit: Gotham/GC Images
Attending Country Music Events
Morris expressed her reluctance to attend the 2022 Country Music Awards due to her discomfort at previous country-based events, stating that she felt out of place. While she acknowledged the honor of her record being nominated and the presence of loved ones in the room, she was unsure if she would ultimately decide to go, as she currently did not feel at ease attending.
Her comments came after a public feud with Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany Aldean, over gender-affirming care for young people.
She did end up attending the CMAs that November.
Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for GLAAD
Apologizing on Behalf of Country Music
"On the episode of RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked in January 2023, I want to offer my sincerest apologies for the way country music has treated LGBTQ+ individuals," expressed Morris as she directly addressed the season 15 contestants. "To all of you, I am incredibly grateful for empowering me and transforming me into a bold voice within the country music industry. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a constant source of inspiration."
This apology also appeared to be in connection with the Aldean family feud.
Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Country Music Is ‘Burning Itself Down’
Morris expressed in a September 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times that she had contemplated the idea of completely demolishing and rebuilding everything. However, she mentioned that the current state of affairs is crumbling on its own, without her intervention. Furthermore, the singer emphasized her significant detachment from the genre as a whole.
Credit: Jason Davis/Getty Images for CMT
Not Leaving Country Music
Contrary to the headlines derived from her interview with the Los Angeles Times, Morris wanted to make it clear that she had no intention of permanently abandoning country music. While she deemed it "absurd" to suggest that she was bidding farewell to the genre indefinitely, Morris revealed on the NYT "Popcast" podcast that certain aspects of her perspective underwent transformation following the tumultuous year of 2020.
“I couldn’t tolerate this circus any longer — sensing the constant obligation to absorb and rationalize people’s inappropriate conduct and dismiss it with laughter,” she declared. “Numerous aspects of my personality underwent transformation during that year.”
In this article
