Maren Morris: From Shattered Life to Liberated Artist
In the autumn of 2023, country-pop sensation Maren Morris experienced a life-altering sequence of events that left her life, at least as she knew it, in ruins. The 34-year-old singer publicly announced her departure from the country music industry, sparking a whirlwind of criticisms from some of the genre’s most outspoken voices. Just a few weeks later, she filed for divorce from her husband of five years, Ryan Hurd. For Morris, it was a wake-up call that forced her to confront her insecurities and find a new path forward.
"I think everything in my life fell apart last year," Morris shares in an exclusive interview with Billboard, her voice trembling with a nervous chuckle. "I was in a state of pure despair. But I turned to the one place I knew I could find answers – songwriting."
With her emotions raw and her world in disarray, Morris sought solace in her music. She began working with a group of collaborators, both new and old, pouring her heart and soul into writing an EP that would become an exercise in limitless self-expression – her latest release, Intermission.
The five-song EP is an emotional rollercoaster, taking listeners on a journey of self-discovery, love, and liberation. From the upbeat "Cut" to the heartbreaking "This Is How a Woman Leaves," Morris’s songwriting has never been more honest or courageous.
The journey to creating Intermission was not without its challenges, however. Morris reflects on the difficulty of writing about her own experiences, particularly her tumultuous relationship and her struggles with bisexuality. "I was a bit apprehensive about writing about something that was so personal," she admits. "But I knew that if I was going to be true to myself, I had to be willing to share this part of me with the world."
In Intermission, Morris finds solace in the idea that she’s not alone. Her coming-out as bisexual in June sparked a wave of support from fans, and she hopes that her music can be a source of comfort for others who are struggling to find their place in the world. "I think it’s amazing how many people have reached out and shared their own stories of self-discovery and liberation," she says. "It’s given me a sense of purpose, knowing that I’m not alone in this journey."
The future holds much excitement for Morris, as she continues to evolve as an artist and a person. With plans to write for Broadway and explore new sounds, Morris is eager to push the boundaries of her creativity. "I’m excited to be in a place where I can explore other perspectives and tell stories that aren’t just about me," she says. "It’s freeing to know that I don’t have to stick to one genre or one identity. I can be whoever I want to be, whenever I want to be."
Intermission is out now on Columbia Records, and Morris is embarking on a nationwide tour, complete with a new setlist crafted daily by fan requests. As she continues to evolve as an artist and a person, one thing is certain – Maren Morris is on a journey of self-discovery, and we’re lucky enough to be along for the ride.
Conclusion
Maren Morris’s latest EP, Intermission, is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the human spirit. Through her music, she invites listeners to join her on a journey of self-discovery, love, and liberation. With a new chapter unfolding in her career, Morris is ready to take on the world – or at least, her next big challenge.
FAQs
Q: What inspired the title Intermission?
A: Morris wanted a title that reflected the idea that her EP is an "act break" in her life – a marker of what came before and what yet remains to be seen.
Q: How did you find working with new collaborators on this project?
A: Morris enjoyed exploring new creative avenues and working with artists who weren’t necessarily part of her traditional country-pop circle. "It was nice to not have any expectations or boundaries," she says.
Q: What was the most challenging song to write for Intermission?
A: Morris confesses that "This Is How a Woman Leaves" was the most emotionally difficult to write, as it dealt with her personal experiences and the end of her marriage.
Q: How does your music reflect your growth and evolution as an artist and person?
A: Morris believes that Intermission showcases her growth as a writer and an artist, as well as her increased confidence in being vulnerable and open with her audience. "I feel like I’ve finally found a way to write music that’s truly my own," she says.
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