Miranda Lambert Doesn’t Give A Damn Anymore, and It’s a Beautiful Thing
I’ve always said, one of the greatest moments to witness in a mainstream artist’s career is when they realize they’ve got nothing left to lose. And after years of playing musical politics, they cut lose and do whatever the hell they want to do, devil may care.
Not that Miranda Lambert has been one to adhere strictly to the rules throughout her career. She’s said herself that she only signed on with Nashville knowing she would be able to call most of her own shots. But now that radio is showing signs of ignoring her (and the rest of women for that matter), and she’s reaching that point where biting her tongue or being pragmatic with the power brokers on Music Row results in diminished returns, it might be that time to not give a shit anymore and go soul searching for the next phase in her life and her career.
Let’s not give up on the idea that Miranda Lambert may still have a few more radio hits or hardware to accumulate at awards shows and such. Even if you’re a traditionalist and Miranda isn’t your cup of tea, it’s hard to not recognize that she’s the more healthy alternative in the mainstream. But let’s face it, it’s a transitional moment for Miranda Lambert, where she’s facing down the new reality of not being the chosen favorite of the industry. And though some of her fans might find this disheartening, for Miranda, it’s empowering.
Miranda Lambert is going to do whatever the hell it is that she wants to do. Those who are willing to hold on for the wild ride? Well climb aboard. Those left in the lurch who would rather watch a more prim and proper Miranda politely adhering to the mores of Music Row to make sure she gets the proper attention from the money changers, it’s been nice knowing you.
That might evidence itself in splitting from her high-profile People Magazine hubby Blake Shelton and dating some unknown east Nashville Americana guy. That might mean making a double album despite the difficult commercial implications, and including a bevy of cool songwriters as contributors in the effort that are outside of the Music Row mindset. It might mean speaking out about the issues facing her and other women in country, regardless of how it might be received in the halls of country music power back in Nashville. Or it might be downsizing from arena shows to amphitheaters so she can get more intimate with her audience, and because frankly, that’s all she can fill to capacity these days.
But that’s the thing: radio play, awards, album and ticket sales—they’re such an arbitrary measure of success, or greatness. Yes, they can be markers for the overall reception for an artist’s work, but what kind of metric are you going to put on being yourself, or doing what you want to do? Sometimes less is more. Sometimes success is disguised as failure. I’m not trying to mince words here and say that it isn’t a shame that country music’s women are finding it so hard these days and are having to resort to downsizing, especially Miranda. But she’s not out there making excuses for herself, and shes not going to let that adversity get in the way of what she wants to do as an artist, or a person. She’s going to take the latitude of not having to be exactly what others want her to be anymore, and use it as newfound freedom.
These were the thoughts that flowed into my head when watching Miranda take the stage last night (8-9) at the legendary Red Rocks venue in Colorado with Texas country heavyweights Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers in tow to perform a Merle Haggard cover of “Sing Me Back Home.” In years prior, Miranda Lambert would have been too big to be able to perform at Red Rocks, which is a bigger honor for most performers than playing the Crunch & Munch Arena in Wherever, USA. She also may not have the opportunity to take time out of her set to play a classic country cover with old friends. In the frenetic and choreographed world of mainstream country, you can’t spare a second on stage that the teenagers in the crowd may find boring.
“I met these guys when I was 17, and playing any shitty gig we could find to play together, right?” Miranda Lambert said as she introduced Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers. “So it’s a really cool thing to get to celebrate this night together with y’all.”
We’re not seeing the new Texas Country version of Miranda, or the Americana version of Miranda. We’re seeing the Miranda version of Miranda. If radio isn’t going to play her songs anyway, then she’ll record whatever the hell she wants. If Live Nation deems her draw to only be worthy of amphitheaters, then she’ll cover Merle Haggard and invite her friends on stage with her.
Because that’s what Miranda Lambert wants to do. Not anyone else.
Todd
August 10, 2017 @ 12:09 pm
Good for her!
Monique Lavalette
August 10, 2017 @ 12:12 pm
She did a great job on Steve Earle’s album “So You Wanna Be An Outlaw” with the song This Is How It Ends” , maybe that was a sign that she was gonna change her direction?
Jim
August 10, 2017 @ 12:16 pm
Good Lord… ten paragraphs of build up about what a rebel Miranda is, all to introduce that garbage YouTube video? I’m glad she’s feeling all feisty and independent, but that still doesn’t mean she’s any good. Two minutes in and I turned it off and just sat here missing Merle Haggard.
Trigger
August 10, 2017 @ 12:19 pm
This was not a 10 paragraph introduction to a video. This was a 10 paragraph article on Miranda Lambert, and her place in her career. Not trying to sell you on her rendition of “Sing Me Back Home,” or even her music. I’m just saying she’s in a spot in her career where she’s no longer under anyone’s thumb, and doing what she wants to do. It’s an empowering moment that hopefully inspires other major label-signed stars to start taking more ownership and liberties in their career. Take the video or leave it, I just included it for context.
Linnea
August 10, 2017 @ 4:30 pm
I was at Red Rocks on Tuesday night and saw them do this song. The entire place was electrified by it. Videos aren’t going to ever do it justice. I, for one, was overjoyed that she picked such quality talent to open for her at Red Rocks. Wade and Randy have a whole slew of new fans after people were introduced to their music, thanks to Miranda.
Nicolas Racine
August 10, 2017 @ 12:25 pm
I would not want it any other way! Empowered artists are what is needed instead of all the formatted sh*t playing on the radio.
Justin C
August 10, 2017 @ 12:34 pm
Didn’t Miranda use to always play “the way I am” I’m her set years ago?
Cheryl Chavis
August 10, 2017 @ 2:47 pm
Yes and I love that song. And she would sing silver wings
jtrpdx
August 10, 2017 @ 12:36 pm
I have often wondered if some of these more mainstream guys…like Blake Shelton, etc. will go the route of saying “screw it” and doing something much more heartfelt and real as they get further into their careers and have made their money. You would think that some of them will gravitate to more meaningful and substantive music as they age and no longer need to do it for the money.
It will be interesting to watch, and if it does happen, it could be a great way to get real music back into the mainstream on the “country” side of the dial.
Jessie with the long hair
August 10, 2017 @ 12:46 pm
Okay, okay, Miranda’s a rebel, Miranda’s an outlier, Miranda’s a bad ass chick, Miranda does things her way, Miranda is Texas cool, Miranda doesn’t give a damn… yawn.
Dan Morris
August 11, 2017 @ 12:54 am
Jessie with the long hair that was a total dickhead comment. No one here needs to hear you put down anyone else. Seriously dude, grow the fuck up.
RWP
August 11, 2017 @ 5:35 am
I just heard that she was spotted at Walmart scratching her ass,and didn’t care who saw it. Mother effen OUTLAW!
Can we get this verified and have a 20 paragraph blog about it?
Ginger
August 12, 2017 @ 7:58 pm
Miranda doesn’t have any actual kills to display in her trophy room, she is not yet considered an outlaw by Country standards. Will she be able to hold on to her own soul by her teeth? Yawns in your own direction for not recognizing working hard, hanging on by teeth and nails. It’s all smiles and sparkles and unicorns for your quest through the enchanted forest of unconditional momma and, swingy in a hammock of flowers, fairy love. Don’t even try to walk around in her shoes. You would break an ankle. Though, it’s true, the thrill of high heels is an option we all have the freedom now to enjoy. Most of all don’t run in those shoes, you’re not ready, you’ll break your neck.
Percy
August 15, 2017 @ 7:36 am
Outlaw country has nothing to do with lawlessness and might have more in common with outlaws who wear high heels like Miranda
Jessie with the long hair
August 10, 2017 @ 12:47 pm
She needs to give a damn about that big ass and get in the gym!
Barstool Hero
August 10, 2017 @ 12:53 pm
Why? It works for Adele! Haha
Barstool Hero
August 10, 2017 @ 12:55 pm
But seriously, it should be about the song quality and the performer’s ability to deliver instead of the looks, lights, and choreography.
Trigger
August 10, 2017 @ 1:01 pm
Not cool.
.MNM
August 10, 2017 @ 1:16 pm
First of all her weight is fine! She’s not a “Barbie doll” and women are SUPPOSED to have curves – not be a straight line STICK ON ALL 4 SIDES. Second of all, she’s keeping real to herself, who she is, and how she is, yes, she’s all those things you mention (except not sure about an “outlier”) and more and I respectfully disagree with you weight comments. Nothing to do with her ability to perform.
Seak05
August 10, 2017 @ 2:34 pm
Women are all shapes and sizes, curvy and stick. One is not more or better than.
Bertox
August 10, 2017 @ 4:05 pm
Yes. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes (and colors), and is amplified by personality (inner beauty). It’s mind-boggling how many people don’t get it
Sylvia
August 10, 2017 @ 6:44 pm
that’s so true, natural beauty.. true country girl too..
Jennifer
August 10, 2017 @ 1:21 pm
Really how many times do we need to talk about image you must be perfect
Chad Perry
August 10, 2017 @ 1:37 pm
Jesse, you obviously know nothing about music or the industry. You’re nothing but a troll who’s pretty terrible at trolling, so do us all a favor and fuck off.
Jessie with the long hair
August 10, 2017 @ 5:02 pm
Actually, Chad I work in the music side of the music business and have for many, many years. Video killed the radio star a long time ago. The first thing that happens to an even slightly overweight singer, male or female, when they get a record deal is they get sent to a boot camp for weight loss. Labels aren’t going to spend millions in clothes, image consultants, social media growth, videos, recording costs to put an obese person on the cover of an album and on t-shirts. If Miranda were trying to get a deal today, that would be a problem even though she’s a pretty lady. If she wants to stay on top, one of the issues would be image and keeping it sexy. If you’ve ever spent time with the average core female country fan you would know that sex sells way more than music. Sometimes I think the male country stars are way more objectified, it’s just the pc police don’t care. I know you can find examples every now and then like Adell who is also very beautiful but larger. The thing about Adell is she dress to accentuate the positive. Miranda wears skin tight jeans or pants that accentuate that big ass. She’s competing with acts like Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves. Does anyone on here really think that it doesn’t matter. It’s a business and if yo don’t believe it’s about sex, sexiness, or what society has deemed attractive then just turn on your tv with the volume down and watch some commercials.
Chad Perry
August 10, 2017 @ 5:39 pm
So you support that bullshit mindset. It’s all about what sells, right? It’s not about artistry or authenticity anymore. Jason Isbell had snaggle tooth, I guess that’s why his album didn’t reach #1…oh wait, it did, didn’t it? Maybe Miranda is more concerned with making timeless music than being just another pretty face. Stapleton doesn’t fit the mold but he’s pretty much dominating country music right now. So yeah, she might catch some flak from the media but does it fucking matter in the long run? No, it doesn’t. And anyone who thinks it does is clearly out of touch. So because society says it’s not attractive does that make that mindset right? Plus, what man doesn’t like a little junk in the trunk? There’s even a songs about it that are extremely popular. So don’t give me that “society doesn’t deem it attractive” nonsense. What do you think the Kardashians are still relevant for? I laughed out loud reading that shit. Unbelievable.
Jessie with the long hair
August 10, 2017 @ 6:23 pm
The people you name are 1 in a 100 at least. I didn’t say I support that mindset. I said thats just part of it… like it or not. We can all be romantic on this forum and pretend, but your fooling your self if you think it doesn’t matter. Her career is about $ and sex sells. To prove my point, look at Kacey Musgraves press photos and then look at Miranda’s. Can you tell a difference in how they frame them? Sexism and ageism are part of the deal if you want to play. Male artists have hair transplants, plastic surgery on their faces, all kinds of airbrushing on their love handles and wrinkles. This stuff goes both ways because ultimately country music is selling sex and the artists are making money from selling t-shirts of their sexy pic on the road.
Jtrpdx
August 10, 2017 @ 6:51 pm
I’m pretty sure that Miranda has already made a big enough impression (not to mention something like $50 million) with the label and is secure enough in her career that she doesn’t have to worry about what is, at most, a slightly larger ass than the average female country singer (and smaller than the average country music fan, and likely half the size of the ass on the one girlfriend you had 5 years ago). Your bullshit comment was not made in some attempt to point out a standard in the industry that you claim to not support, so save us the backtracking and the “I happen to work in the industry” lies. If that were indeed the intent of it, you would have worded the original comment much differently.
Jessie with the long hair
August 10, 2017 @ 7:01 pm
I’m not back tracking! I thought it was funny because she dresses like a skinny girl but has a big ole’ caboose! Just doesn’t appeal to me and I don’t think it helps her in staying relevant to young people either. Guys may not be judged for having a big ass but they are judged for middle aged beer guts, hair loss, age.
Chad Perry
August 10, 2017 @ 7:25 pm
But you’re still talking about her “big ass” like that’s a bad thing. I bet millions of guys out there would say otherwise. I don’t believe you work in the industry, because you would’ve spelled Adele’s name right if you did. Also, your grammar would be way more professional. I’m sorry dude, I just have a really hard time taking you seriously at all.
Chad Perry
August 10, 2017 @ 7:28 pm
And if country music is all about selling sex, explain Chris Stapleton’s dominance. Still waiting on that.
Jessie with the long hair
August 11, 2017 @ 5:53 am
Image is exactly why Stapleton didn’t get a deal early on. Everyone in town knew him and loved his singing. He had to write songs for ten years and finally someone said lets do it on a low budget because we love it… and it did work but you are picking one artist out of hundreds. He’s not the norm and not what labels usually look for. As for my grammar, yes it isn’t great, especially when I’m writing conversationally on a forum. Fortunately for me, that’s never been a qualification to work in country music. You’re a real super sleuth coming to that conclusion all by yourself how someone that didn’t spell Adele right couldn’t be in the music industry.
Chad Perry
August 11, 2017 @ 6:32 am
Okay, so he took the long road instead of the easy way. Isn’t that how it should be? As for you claiming that you never said you support that mindset, your original comment said specifically “She needs to give a damn about that big ass and get in the gym.” Your words, not mine. Your clearly support a business model that is grossly out of touch in today’s world. Sure sex sells, but to what extent? Why are you dissing her for wanting to be more than just another pretty face? That was clearly a diss. And i notice you always seem to come out of the woodworks every time this website has an article regarding members of the Pistol Annie’s. You showed your ass when Trigger wrote an article about Angeleena Presley. Also, what are your accolades and contributions to the music industry exactly? I’m just saying..that statement about Miranda needing to get her big ass in the gym was incredibly unprofessional for someone who claims to have worked in the music industry for so long.
Crazy Ex
August 10, 2017 @ 8:57 pm
Just a friendly reminder…
I can’t see what they look like when the music is coming thru my speakers…
The fact that females are not on radio and the songs that are only refer to drinking, getting laid and what that girl looks like in “them jeans” is a sexist, ironic travesty..
This is not the 1950’s with them “girl singers” and the fact that in this day and age that we are so shallow is downright appalling…
Whether Miranda is a size 0 or a size 14 it doesn’t change the fact that HER songs that SHE wrote is better than most songs getting radio airplay that a 40 yr old man in a size 42 pants probably wrote…that a early 20 yr old size 30 man is probably singing….freaking ridiculous..
And by the way….
I happen to think Stapleton is one of the sexist men in “country music”
His voice…his songwriting….and the way he absolutely adores his wife is the sexiest thing I’ve seen out of country music for awhile..oh…and the fact that miranda has her sass back…and that ass, too
jtrpdx
August 11, 2017 @ 7:56 am
Jesse – there is nothing wrong with the way she dresses. Jeans, skirts and dresses. What the hell else is she supposed to wear? And, again, you are neglecting the fact that she isn’t that “big” at all, especially when compared to the average population of women out there. If you are telling the truth about your occupation, it is no surprise that a complete douche like yourself works inside the mainstream “country” (or more accurately, pop ubiquitous crap that has no soul) music business. It seems that you are a perfect fit for the job.
Gina
August 10, 2017 @ 1:57 pm
Nice. First off, Miranda is beautiful. And can we lay off the all women need to go on a diet rant for one article about female artists?
Nicolas Racine
August 10, 2017 @ 2:41 pm
I’m for the girls with the curls and the curves.
Gina
August 10, 2017 @ 2:53 pm
Bless you, brother 🙂
Steve
August 10, 2017 @ 6:44 pm
And you need to give a damn about those fat lips and keep them glued together!
Donny
August 11, 2017 @ 4:44 am
The PC culture is strong with you guys. Miranda is looking a little thick. Hit the treadmill and put down that ice cream will ya.
Bertox
August 11, 2017 @ 4:58 am
The douchebag culture is even stronger with you, Donny. Hit a library, and put down that bottle of Fireball, will ya?
scott
August 11, 2017 @ 11:10 am
Interwebz winner of the day!
Chad Perry
August 11, 2017 @ 7:36 am
Look, another troll. I think Donny likes 10 year old boys, you guys..
Chad Perry
August 11, 2017 @ 7:37 am
Also, I didn’t know respecting women and their bodies was an aspect of PC culture. Did y’all?
Thebugman10
August 12, 2017 @ 5:57 am
I think she’s gorgeous.
Hayley
August 15, 2017 @ 4:12 am
In a fickle world such as this, you can always count on Ol’ LongPube Jessi’s 2 cents to help prove the inevitable demise of human kind.
If you have, in fact, worked in county music for as long as you claim, then YOU Mr. Mullet, are to blame for the current shitty state of mainstream country radio.
The only comment you should be sharing on a site like this, is an announcement celebrating your retirement from fucking up a perfectly good genre with your, oh-so-cliche’ male-chauvinistic opinions. #SitTheEffDOWN
Bertox
August 15, 2017 @ 4:57 am
Shots fired!
Jessie with the long hair
August 15, 2017 @ 5:43 am
My comments are truth. Do you think all the female fans go to a Luke Bryan concert for the music? Hell no, they want to see his sculpted body do the stripper dance. What I said has nothing to do with just women and it also has nothing to do with me being chauvinistic. You are fooling yourself if you think looks do not matter. It’s all about marketing. If Miranda wants to stay on top, she needs to appeal to young people. Image is a major part of the equation in modern music. I didn’t make the rules. Just turn on the tv and watch the commercials.
I find it funny that you are so offended by my comments on Miranda’s ass but you have no problem calling me Mr. Mullet. You may have just offended a few readers that have mullets. Somebody call the PC police!
MNM
August 10, 2017 @ 12:51 pm
I happy for her and I hope she continues on the road to “freedom” – I feel badly for upcoming female artists as it would appear after several weeks of play time, they’re “DONE”. Nonetheless, Miranda is still a “young” woman. She has the time to take a break, experience motherhood, write some songs and make a strong enough come back to make some more money by playing small venues later in her life AND SHE WILL still be greatly accepted, appreciated and respected. Thank you for the article!
Sammy Jo
August 10, 2017 @ 1:56 pm
Love Miranda. My sister got to go to her 2 night shows. I saw her at The Garden & she sang The Way I Am acoustic, it was so great everyone sang along. She has nothing to prove to anyone but herself. She has sold out shows, won enough awards to be in the Halls of Fame- now she can just do want she wants. Looks like next up is Europe. Wish here all the luck!
Scott
August 10, 2017 @ 1:57 pm
i can get down with some Merlanda Hagbert
emfrank
August 10, 2017 @ 2:11 pm
Another factor here in her declining popularity that you don’t mention is age. She is only 33, but while a man can survive in pop music much longer, a woman ages out (in pop and in Hollywood) much younger. She has some talent. It will be interesting to see where she takes it with fewer constraints.
a
August 10, 2017 @ 2:35 pm
RedRocks books like 4 years in advance so I think this was a bucket list venue for Miranda.
KGD
August 10, 2017 @ 5:52 pm
Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell are playing there in September. I doubt they got booked in 2013. Or 2014 for that matter.
Seak05
August 10, 2017 @ 2:40 pm
I would say I don’t think the awards have fallen out of love with Miranda. I fully expect her to clean house at the cma’s this year, pick up a Grammy or two, garner more acm’s. And she hasn’t called out the awards show politics like she has radio.
I want Miranda to do Miranda, I’m excited for her new pistol Annie’s. I didn’t love wings as much as everyone else, but whatever. I would just say that people can want to do music that is mainstream or more pop-y and that’s ok too…even if I don’t want to listen to it. Heck you have lots of honestly in actual pop music.
Kelly
August 10, 2017 @ 4:28 pm
She has no reason to call out the politics in awards because she is still handed them.
Gabe
August 10, 2017 @ 7:22 pm
I guess what you are saying is that she’ll call awards out for ‘not representing music’ when she stops receiving them right?
CountryCharm
August 10, 2017 @ 8:56 pm
Miranda’s relationship with radio is interesting. She went from refusing interviews to doing quite a few even a podcast to promote Tin Man but since that did nothing for her single she’s back on the anti radio wagon.
Same with award shows. If she spoke out against the unfairness of country awards and bloc voting we might actually see other women rewarded and promoted. She won’t do that until she stops winning though.
She has a great voice and she’s good at picking co writers but everything about her feels so calculated to me. She’s got an amazing PR team behind her. I mean look how they turned her victim after the divorce at the CMAs. Shady shady.
Crazy Ex
August 10, 2017 @ 8:58 pm
Yes…thank heavens for her pr team…had to help clean up all that blame blake was throwing around trying to cover his own sorry ass..
CountryCharm
August 10, 2017 @ 9:15 pm
Umm the fact that Blake and Miranda defended Chris Young against cheating allegations but left her tour manager Ryan Westbrook out to dry and without a job, that’s on Miranda. By her own admission she got with Anderson East 2 months before the CMAs so the tears about Blake dating was fake as hell.
Crazy Ex
August 11, 2017 @ 1:34 pm
And within a month rumors were circulating about gwen and blake leaving work together…so I wouldn’t pull that..
Not to mention most of the photos of them that get published with the label of oh look…when they were first flirting…they both have on wedding rings. Add in when the show was actually filming the blinds…about six months ahead and when it actually aired…all that flirting when still married to others…he said early spring…very early spring he knew his marriage wasn’t gonna work..that would be when he was filming and flirting…and going to see ML..so…do the very simple math..and out together the workplace affair that is so obvious to everyone…oh….and how is cady groves..if you think he was innocent then you are naive..so in a nut shell…her tears were warranted bc as much as we can put it together I’m sure it was even worse for her to see it happening before her own eyes..and it was a complete dick move or a bitch move on gwen’s part to announce it in that manner….just embarrassing and showed how catty they are
His music has went downhill..he looks bloated and unhealthy..
His story never really added up anyway…
And I hope pop or hollywood takes him off soon…
Desperado Destry
August 10, 2017 @ 3:52 pm
Umm… where the hell is Taylor Swift with her fake feminist bullshit? I’ve never been a fan of Miranda’s or of anyone much else on country radio today but I can tell you this, the females do country far better than the bros, that’s why they don’t get any air time. My hat’s off to Miranda. I think there comes a time in every country artist’s career when they have to go up against Music Row or cave to it. Miranda’s fighting, and I applaud her for that, after all someone has to. Now if only other artists will follow her we might start seeing a change.
alice
August 10, 2017 @ 3:57 pm
Thanks for this article and I wish I could have seen that gig, too. I’m looking forward to her next act.
Farina
August 10, 2017 @ 5:08 pm
Nice article. She’s probably the only mainstream artist on my mix. I actually thought Tin Man was going to be a massive hit.
Crazy Ex
August 10, 2017 @ 6:37 pm
First off..dumbass with the bad hair…
If the music industry focused more on talent instead of size and look then country radio might not be the diaster it is…
I don’t think a man has ever been told your ass is too big to sing..
Furthermore….I’m so happy to see her back to being herself and not being referred to as someone else’s wife… As if her music doesn’t top his hands down…oh…and she writes it instead of telling someone else to do it for her…if I’m honest on that.
Oh…and as far as fan base wanting to see younger stars…no thanks…I’ll take mine with some age..wisdom..and appreciation for the ones that came before them…
In 20yrs Miranda will be looked at as the modern day trailblazing woman she is with clips of her speaking of The Hag or Loretta with high regard. And younger artists will be speaking of her the same way she does them.
Mary
August 10, 2017 @ 7:03 pm
I thought this was very nice. Miranda is my favorite lady singer because I don’t like all the yelling and screaming that most of them do.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
August 10, 2017 @ 7:56 pm
I was all cued up to whine and moan and correct everyone about how Miranda Lambert is just an angry white chick who had one hit that she milked over and over again with different lyrics and her marriage to an idiot and how anyone who thought she was talented was part of the problem.
Then I realized that the video was one of my favorite songs.
This is great.
She’s gradually becoming less and less insufferable.
I love it, this is what I needed to see after the day I’ve had.
thanks Triggerman for finding this.
Jeremy
August 10, 2017 @ 11:30 pm
The idea of Miranda saying “screw it” as far as radio goes really gets me excited. Albeit she’s one of the few radio stars I enjoy, I think there is more to her than that. She seems to really enjoy the non radio stars like Stapleton, Isbell, and the likes. When was the last time we’ve seen a commercial artist of her stature just give them the middle finger and go there own way?
Old Country
August 11, 2017 @ 1:01 am
Gretchen Wilson walked away from the bullshit years ago, and seems happy doing what she wants to do now. Her fans wish she could be a huge star again, but she was never comfortable wearing that garb. There’s a group photo of all the Sony artists taken before Gretchen left. She’s sitting with Miranda, apart from the rest, like two peas in a pod. I love them both.
Donny
August 11, 2017 @ 4:37 am
Good, she should make some country music then.
Robert Hill
August 11, 2017 @ 5:34 am
Trigger, I like how you noted that playing Red Rocks is an honor for most. Having been there to compare it to other venues, it is arguably one of the finest America has for artists to connect with fans. The acoustics are amazing and so it the view of Denver from the nose-bleeders. If this is Lambert’s fate, then good for her. Maybe it will free her up to not only say and sing what she thinks, but possibly give a stage to lesser known (or unknown) country music musicians that Lambert wants to highlight. Regardless, good job giving a voice to this.
The Goddess of Country Rock
August 11, 2017 @ 7:18 am
This is really in many ways the best thing that has ever happened to her, and she is taking full advantage of it.
I look forward to seeing what she does next.
Wes
August 11, 2017 @ 7:38 am
I would kill to see All three of them make an album together or at least her and Wade. Saying this because wade has a better voice for the harmony. But damn three people that know how to make amazing music. I think it could be epic!
OlaR
August 11, 2017 @ 8:33 am
Other great female artists without mainstream “country” radio airplay:
Bri Bagwell (one of the few female artists with a #1 hit…in Texas)
Kenna Danielle (released a new EP today & “I-35 Reasons” is on repeat)
Ashley McBryde (“A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega” was the song on repeat…what a voice!)
Kasey Tyndall (“Everything Is Texas” is so far my most played song of the year)
Lainey Wilson (Tougher was one of my Top 10 albums of 2016)
Post Monroe (Whitney Duncan is part of the female trio…great harmonies)
I listen to a lot of australian country music & there are a lot of strong woman making country music. Writing, producing, releasing material on own labels. Amber Lawrence will never sound like Beccy Cole. Tania Kernaghan will never sound like Tori Darke, Natalie Howard or Aleyce Simmonds.
Aly Cook “doesn’t give a damn anymore” too. She’s from New Zealand & ignored by the media. “Western Line” is the biggest country hit of the year (so far) in Australia. Horseshoe Rodeo Hotel is the current album & what a great album it is.
My album of the year candidates so far are: Tania Kernaghans All Australian Girl & the Ashleigh Dallas album Lighthouse (Australia). Song of the year (so far) is “Dreamer” by australian folk/country artist Jacinta Laws. Her first EP is called On A Whim.
There is so much great country music somewhere out there…but we have to dig a little deeper (& forget the Nashtrash mainstream pop called “country” music on radio & the charts).
Miranda Lambert…well…she is one of the few american mainstream country artists i listen to. She knows the Nashville game & she is a household name. Time to move on. Nashville is busy enough to push & promote the next big thing.
Tom
August 11, 2017 @ 10:01 am
With just a couple of exceptions, I don’t think she’s released anything during her 14 years as a major-label artist that’s on par with what she was writing as a teenage Nashville Star contestant.
albert
August 11, 2017 @ 10:42 am
Unfortunately we must keep in mind the demographic that kiddie kountry radio is targeting for $$$$ now . Miranda , Sara Evans , Dolly, Loretta , Patty Loveless , Reba and so many other amazingly gifted and still-more-than-capable COUNTRY ARTISTS ( not JUST ‘girl singers ‘ ) are NOT that market any more where labels and radio are concerned . Like it or not sex/image/youth has and always will sell to the non-discerning musical masses ..whether they be male or female ‘artists’ . The difference , of course, is that the aforementioned ‘attributes’ far outweigh actual artistry and talent in these times BECAUSE of the non-discerning “paying” customer being tapped AND the fact that they are not actual country music fans .
As Trigger points out , this fact , is indeed a blessing ..often in disguise ….for artists whose labels and management have demanded that they trade on the ‘ non- musical’ attributes of their image to sell songs and shows ( Shania ) . Once that ship has sailed in terms of marketing , the world opens up for artists in terms of following and realizing your musical/artistic vision as you tend to find support ( labels , management , outlets ) who are more interested in that creative vision than your booty .
Tom Jones comes to mind as a male example of a ” pop ” artist arguably recording the most honest and focused music of his career this past decade as he navigates his 70’s with his vocal gifts intact and his vision on full display .
Mainstream radio music is SO insignificant now in terms of being artistically influential , respected on ANY level , culturally necessary or valuable in terms of its usefulness as a voice for the times or its place in recorded music history . Ear candy . Just ear candy bereft , for the most part , of unaltered , undoctored or even slightly inspiring performances . Musical wallpaper . Any ARTIST driven by passion , vision , a never-diminishing creative spark and actual talent would be in a constant state of frustration which would surely undermine these things and would, at best ,be forced to settle for being a shadow of who they need to and could potentially be .
Miranda has always lived slightly outside of mainstream ” public housing ” . She’s been lucky enough to have been acknowledged time and again for doing so ….and for being ‘commercially ‘ successful in spite of that fact . She has found a listener base that seems to care about music and talent . Perhaps radio ignoring her COMPLETELY would result in her unleashing the most incredible music of her career .
Corncaster
August 11, 2017 @ 11:01 am
“The House that Built Me” is a masterpiece. That song alone assures Miranda’s place in country music history. The video, too. It’s one of those songs that just captures something so truly, and so completely, that it stands alone and needs nothing else. Just Miranda’s resigned, vulnerable voice, understated production, and flawless playing. But what do I know. Maybe it’s just personal. I know a house just like that, and that song for me is like a pump for tears.
Allen Shamblin and Tom Douglas, thanks a lot for f***ing me up a little this afternoon here at work.
Crsync
August 11, 2017 @ 12:02 pm
Once again, Albert & Corn hit the nail on the head. Couldn’t agree with youze more, couldn’t have said it better myself. I’d like to nominate both of you to mayor & city council chairman of Savingville. Take your pick at which position you want to fill. And in reference some of the discussion earlier in this thread, please take your beef to savingcountryasses.com. In my humble opinion, this site works best when discussing music rather than wardrobe.
John Deaux
August 11, 2017 @ 12:50 pm
Personally if I never heard that fake whiney voice again I’d be just fine
Corncaster
August 11, 2017 @ 4:08 pm
Interesting that Miranda’s butt touched an obvious nerve. The world has to come to some sort of reckoning with its desire to be sold music through visual sex appeal. I’m aging out, so it’s not my wheelhouse. But you grasshoppers, are you really going to buy music only from a visually pretty person? Or further, you’ll buy musical sounds based not on those sounds, but on how their performer looks? This is weird.
“Sex sells” is a truism only for those who feel that sex appeal somehow addresses our lack of self-esteem. Buck up! I’ve had hotties, and in the long run, the pleasure is brief and all beauty fades.
But good conversation is forever.
Until, you know.
Erik North
August 11, 2017 @ 5:16 pm
While a lot of people are talking up Miranda’s don’t-give-a-damn attitude and “bad-ass” image, here’s hoping that Miranda herself isn’t buying into all of this, hook, line, and sinker. Believing your own press and your own hype is a very, very dangerous thing for anyone in this industry to do, and it can be a self-destructive prophecy.
Now I’m not a fan of Miranda’s, but given that she seems to be one of only two female acts (the other being gal pal Carrie Underwood) that country radio will play (and even then, not that much), I really hope that she will continue to create good music (as opposed to mere “Product”) that will stand alongside some of the legends she has paid homage to in recent times, like Merle, Loretta, and Linda Ronstadt. And I hope she also takes the sage advice of one Elvis Presley who, at a press conference prior to his Madison Square Garden appearances in 1972, said the following:
“The image is one thing and the human being is another. It’s very hard to live up to an image.”
sweet on stuart
August 11, 2017 @ 5:27 pm
I am quite pleased to read about a “don’t give a shit” attitude as I have been waiting for her to enter her Lucinda/Emmylou/Rosane Cash phase. When radio is finally through with her I think we will see her get better/great. I don’t think she has an ego in re to her choice of songs. I can see her writing more while still giving other writers exposure. She said once in an interview re House That Built Me that she prefers to sing her own songs though when faced with a song that’s better than her own but it feels as if she could’ve written it herself she’s more than willing to ditch her song.
The rest of you can volley back and forth about wome, sex and Country music and all those pitfalls. I will just sit back and watch the projection of her career. I don’t listen to the local Nash anymore as it’s a cesspool for the most part. Thank God for the AUX jack in my car (yeah, I have an old car).
Old Country
August 12, 2017 @ 1:55 am
I stopped listening to so-called “Country” radio about thirty years ago, coincidentally when I also stopped going to what are risibly called movies. Like Ole Willie, I have no idea what’s on the charts, and only listen to what I like. And I like Miranda.
Jacob W.
August 12, 2017 @ 5:31 am
Sure it’s kinda cool. But she hasn’t done anything significant yet. Only mentioned in passing like a bona fide “this will get a round of applause”. I could definitely see that if she continues this path, something great could come of it. And may be if you sound this trumpet now, her or others may pay attention. But I will wait until I see some non-pop, not over produced music come down the line from her, before I start chanting her name.
Miranda is my favorite living female country singer, she is a good writer and every one of her releases has contained one or more legitimately good songs. Also I don’t think dating someone is a point of congratulations. But hopefully she will stay on course.
4jkb4ia
August 12, 2017 @ 8:49 pm
OT: Alert! Sam Hunt remix being played on WKTU countdown show as I type this!
I never doubted that Miranda Lambert had enough artistic integrity not to beg for country radio’s attention. In the beginning country radio came to her and not she to them.
Elliot
August 13, 2017 @ 3:54 am
I think they renamed the Crunch and Munch Center the Yum Center in Louisville
jimsouls
August 13, 2017 @ 10:48 pm
The thing I find most attractive about any artist is the music. It’s the thing that matters most if you are truly a music fan. These days, women seem to be making the best music. This isn’t a 2017 thing or a 2016 thing; it is across this entire decade and all genres. For whatever reason, we are in a golden era for female performing songwriters. In that regard, no other era comes close. So, enjoy all this music because we are in the midst of something historic.
As for those of you talking about big butts and going to the gym, grow the eff up. One can bet that you beer-bellied ol’ boys aren’t among the most attractive or desirable people on the planet. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be spending so much time at home alone, drooling all over album covers.
RP
August 14, 2017 @ 7:43 pm
God bless Miranda Lambert!
Dave F
August 15, 2017 @ 6:28 am
Am I weird for thinking her best album was the one she released independently before she was a contestant on Nashville Star?
Big Texas Mike
August 16, 2017 @ 12:17 pm
Men have penis’ and women have vaginas —
And men are pressured by societies to be more statist driven and women more homebodies. . . .
And first you get the women, then you control the children and so follow the men (in this great social experiment — but Spiritual holocaust if you ask me). . . .
There needs to be a human component in our activities and a human interest and it’s not there; we’re being transistorized. Renters aren’t moving to owners and life cycles aren’t being fulfilled. There’s a sense of a lost god and a fragmented self. Human life — as in a musical composition — needs diversity, modulation, a change, a clash, or a point of interest to keep it from being flat, monotone, and uninteresting. But in human affairs we don’t have true diversity but foundation funded, corporate executed state-craft / strategic tension / broken coalition / broken home-front sanctity strategy.
A polluted and “acidic” environment of yeasts, mold, fungus, radioactivity, plasticizers, synthetic hormones, solvents, GMOs, aerosols, nano-tech, and “body-bombs” goes a long way in their strategy in depressing humanities will and moulding, nudging, and forming the squat, ugly, disaffected and ill-willed populous now rising.
I predict a mild “professional” class uprising, a chronic period of barricade manning, tension between the upper middle-bourgeoisie and those professionals, and then centuries long staleness of corporate elitist rule to culminate in some mass disease or die-off a few hundred years form now give or take 100.
The only way to protest is a mass voluntary exit from the system. You see they want you a slave, they like seeing you suffer, if not why is it so “controversial” to let that same beast of burden choose a peaceful death by some public service entity to come along and offer free boat rides with some cement shoes, some peaceful music, 10 grams of barbiturates, and a chaplain?
They want you on this plane to suffer and to win your ultimate possession your Soul. The devil runs this world. If not why not let your massive “productive” ant army force choose a nationalized Exit International not just for clinically terminal, but for the economically terminal? Culturally terminal? The ineffective in this mass demented feeding frenzy?
Hey devil! Fuck outt’a here b.
K L
May 19, 2019 @ 3:57 pm
A correction to your story: Miranda Lambert didn’t end her marriage to Blake Shelton. He divorced her for having sex with two other men, one her married tour manager. Her dalliances were often rumored. When these escalated to fact, Blake abruptly filed for divorce. The judge ordered their divorce decree sealed, something not legally allowed in their state of residence, Oklahoma. Suits filed to unseal, since illegal, have been unsuccessful.
Additionally, Evan Felker divorced his wife, Staci, for Miranda—a typical pattern. Evan and Staci’s divorce was filed in Oklahoma and was also sealed due to the Miranda Lambert factor, though still illegal—hiding more torrid details.
Miranda Lambert is an egocentric, manipulative user. She pursues men in relationships, breaks up their relationships (ego rush), charming them for a while, then pursues a fresh one, kicking the all-too-familiar-one to the curb. (This is a known, demonstrated psychopathy that requires psychiatric treatment.) This has been a lifelong pattern for Miranda, beginning with her fiancé, Jeff Allen. She dumped him in summer 2005 when she had her site set on Blake. She began charming Blake into divorcing his wife of a year and a half for her.
Miranda’s traumatic childhood, marked by poverty, homelessness, sordid affairs, battered women and their uprooted, suffering children, has damaged her, presumably for life. Will she ever get psychiatric help? She clearly needs it.
She constantly writes songs about evil men who brutalize women. It is a theme she can’t let go. She obsesses over dogs, homeless dogs. She also obsesses over Gypsy Vanners, everything intense pink, miles of fringe, every old-timey piece of junk she can find and song writing “with” the best songwriters in Nashville. Without them she wouldn’t have any “original” songs.
Further, she has a history of plagiarizing other artists’ work. Each time her record label has fixed it for her—no copyright infringement lawsuit. She leads a charmed life.
Without her high profile marriage to Blake Shelton, she wouldn’t have celebrity or awards. She got everything because of her 10 years with Blake. No other man on the planet would put up with her for 10 years—her violent outbursts of temper, obsessions, drunkenness and love of guns. She is such a man-hating bully; you can’t feel compassion for her. You’re just waiting for her to become a drunken has-been.
Her young, little policeman hubby, Brendan McLoughlin, is a manipulative user on a much grander scale—fiancée, baby mama on-the-side who he dumped to get Miranda, newborn son—and that’s just what we know about. She’s opened a Pandora’s box there.
Miranda may get her long overdue comeuppance. She has a violent temper, and she loves her guns. (She made all her employees at her Pink Pistol boutique in Oklahoma get their handgun permits and bought them guns.) Her hubby’s a policeman, and both he and Miranda are licensed to carry. That’s a volatile combination. Check out the lyrics to her man-bashing songs, especially “Gunpowder and Lead”.
Remember the hullabaloo at the Nashville steakhouse, involving her young hubby using a cell phone in the restroom and an older man taking exception to it. The two men took their argument out to the restaurant floor. Hotheaded Miranda quickly began to aggress, took over and escalated the argument to a brawl, dumping food on the man’s wife. The cops were called over a food fight she started and argument she escalated. Stay tuned for what’s next.