Maren Morris just released her bold sophomore GIRL album, but the 28-year-old is only getting started as she reveals plenty of things she wants to do — some of which would take her decidedly out of country music.
“I have so many dreams,” Morris told Garden & Gun. “I hope I can play arenas. I was a musical theater nerd in high school, so I would love to do something on Broadway. I’m just constantly trying to be better and do things that scare the sh— out of me in a good way. I’ve been toying with the thought of taking some college courses online and dipping my toe back into my education. My husband [Ryan Hurd] has two degrees, all my friends went to college, and I chose music. But I would love to, even if it takes me ten years, get that degree.”
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Morris has unashamedly acknowledged that Hurd influenced much of GIRL, but now reveals that about half of the record is a response to her husband of almost a year.
“Going into the album I was thinking about the vibe, and I realized that the first half was more about my head space and the state of the world right now,” Morris acknowledged. “Then the second half was more vulnerable, like I was speaking directly to Ryan. I loved that because it really is two sides to the story.”
Morris performed at a show with Taylor Swift on Swift’s Reputation Tour last year, and admits the show was a pivotal moment in her own career.
“I love leaving a show and feeling like I’ve just gone to the theater,” Morris said. “I respect people who can take that size of a production and make it seamless. And so I’ve realized I’m two different people sometimes. I’m this girl from Texas who loves writing songs and playing honky-tonks. Then there’s this pop element where it’s larger-than-life production and people are leaving the show exhilarated.
“I love both of these people that I’m becoming,” she added. “I don’t want to be contained. I don’t want to be barricaded in by politics or genres or being a woman. With every move I’ve made, it’s pretty clear that there are no limits.”
Morris will kick off her Girl: The World Tour on Saturday, March 8, with RaeLynn and Cassadee Pope serving as her opening acts. Purchase GIRL, and find tour dates, at her official website.
Photo Credit: Getty images/Steven Ferdman