162: Lainey Wilson
On Episode 162, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson. Wilson is releasing Sayin' What I'm Thinkin' this Friday, February 19. During this episode, we talk about recording this album with Jay Joyce, writing with the likes of Luke Dick and Lori McKenna, finding her voice as an artist and songwriter while continually growing as a storyteller and co-writer, the stories behind songs like "Sunday Best" and "Things A Man Oughta Know," and the process of shaping the feel and mood as well as the overarching themes of Sayin' What I'm Thinkin'.
This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol. In addition, this episode is sponsored by The Blue Light Live and Hot Damn Coffee.
Interview Transcript
Note: Transcripts aren’t always accurate since they are computer automated and haven’t been edited for spelling, grammar, etc.
Thomas Mooney 0:01
everyone welcome back to New slang. I am music journalist Thomas Mooney. And we're kicking this week off being joined by singer songwriter Laney Wilson. So Laney she's been on my list of like new slang hopefuls for a good minute now, and I'm so glad we were able to connect this past week. She has this new album coming out at this week's and called saying what I'm thinking that would be February 19. So what really drew me to Laney in the first place was the song that she released called Sunday best.
Her voice.
It's this real Southern, sultry draw. And even though she's from Louisiana, she has a little bit of that East Texas and Kacey musgraves Miranda Lambert country attitude and a little bit of that Bobbie Gentry Southern soul. One of the things that I really love about her writing is that you can just tell that she is a ball of light, and she really writes with that same charm, flare and edge. Sometimes that edge, it comes across as like this beaming confidence in a song like Sunday best. I just really love that feel good confidence in those kind of songs. What I like even more though, is when she slows it down for a minute, which a couple of stellar examples of that are rolling stone and that closing title track. And I know a lot of y'all are going to agree that things a man I don't know. It just checks all those boxes. I say that because she has about 17 million listens on Spotify alone for that song. There's this raw sincerity in her voice when she's singing that song, where you can just tell that she's tapping into old memories. You can just tell that she's on the verge throughout that song, the verge of what exactly? I'm not necessarily sure. I don't know if I would say she's straight up on the verge of tears. But at the minimum, it's that giant exhale and a Can you guys give me a few minutes, that kind of thing. Anyway, we go through a lot of the ins and outs of this album. We'll get to that really, really quick. But first, today's presenting partner is our pals over at Desert door Texas Soto if you're asking yourself what exactly desert door or a Soto is? Well, it's a premium high quality spirit that is similar to a tequila or Moscow but in my estimation, it's more refined, smooth and fragrant. It has a distinct and intriguing palette that picks up on hints of vanilla and citrus while maintaining a healthy earthiness that is quite enjoyable. One of my favorite features about desert door is just how versatile It really is. If you want to feel fancy and a little highbrow, it's perfect for a variety of cocktails that call for lime wedges and core salt, chopped ginger, a god a nectar sprigs of time and sticks of cinnamon, threw down to muddle some fresh fruit, all that kind of stuff. It's perfect. It's great for experimentation and fine tuning all of your mixologist skills. And then also if you're a little bit more downhome and casual, you got that denim jacket on. It's just perfect for those short and sweet simple go to favorites that hit the mark every time. I'm talking about ranch waters and Moscow mules and palomas and and Mexican Coca Cola with desert door. What I love so much about desert door is just how genuine and an authentically West Texas and they are as well. They go out and harvest Soto plants out in the wild and are aware and knowledgeable conservationists at heart. So next time you're at your neighborhood liquor store, get yourself a bottle of desert door. I'll throw a link into the show notes for more information. All right, let's go ahead and state the obvious if this is your first time listening to Newsline, go ahead and hit subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. If you're on iTunes, give it a five star review. tell all your friends, family. anyone you know who loves music to subscribe as well. Check out the merch store, check out the Patreon check out my other podcast the neon Eon which I just launched back in January, it's all about 90s country. All right, I think that about does it here is Laney Wilson.
Obviously, you
know you have this new record coming out next week. And you know, it feels like this past year you know you released a handful of singles and then you had an EP out the previous year and it feels like it's all been building up for this moment. Has that is that what it feels like for you right now as far as okay like we finally yes
Lainey Wilson 4:31
it collecting all the songs? Yeah. Yeah, you just took the words out of my mouth. I mean,
I guess you could say it's gonna be like a waterfall type release. And, you know, we cut this record. And I'm telling you I'm so proud of this dyeing thing top to bottom, every line every word every syllable. I'm talking about top to bottom, the production and and yeah, I can't believe that to be out. I'm so dying. excited, and it feels good man.
Thomas Mooney 5:04
Yeah, it's always one of those things where, you know, I think for most of us, it's like, okay, so you released this record on Friday. And, you know, it's here it is. And it's like, all the fans are just like, Okay, awesome. But you've been like, essentially done with the record for a minute. And it's always like, this time between, actually like finishing the mastering finishing all the production aspects, recording, and then like, the release date, that is just probably the longest amount of time and you're just kind of like, okay, when is it one over, you're finally gonna hit this release date? You know, like, is that has it been like that, but worse, since it's been 2020? And like, there's been no shows. And,
Lainey Wilson 5:55
yeah, it's, it's been interesting. I mean, of course, you know, right. When we got out of the studio with a saying I was ready to throw it out there. But I have learned that there are so many things that go into doing it the right way. And, you know, of course, I've been, like, just ready to just put it out there. But I will tell you, it does feel like the timing is right. And you know, I'm glad it kind of has worked out the way it has had I released this record a year ago. You know, I mean it we kind of got bogged down and in the world, you know, everything going on in the world and and right now I you know, they're still crazy things going on. But I'm to the point to where you know, people need music more than anything music is is halen and that and that's what it is for me. And that's what I want this record to be for everybody. And you know, just give people give people a way to escape and just dive into this music and feel it. So yes, of course that have been ready to have been ready to put it out there, man, but it's, uh, like I said, the time it feels good.
Thomas Mooney 6:54
Yeah, like, I feel like, for me, like, I always just feel like everything's like, you know, burning a hole in my pocket. Anything anytime, like, anything's ready to go. But I also have to feel like, in a way, like, this is probably like that. Light, like at the end of the tunnel, and it's been like, just gradually getting better and like, brighter, obviously. And that's something at least, like, you're probably excited about that kind of like, you know, how'd you on for this past year, because as, as we've said, like, it's been such a frustrating year, to say the least
Lainey Wilson 7:31
it has It sure has this year have given me something to look forward to. And we, I'm telling you, like, during this time, during the shutdown, we literally have just just a balls to the wall, literally, I mean, just anything we can do, just trying to grow this thing. And I feel like we've we've taken this time to really, you know, for me to get to know my fans, and then get to know me, and we try to do as many TED talks and zooms and anything we can think of just to stay connected. And it has been, it's been difficult. It's been a learning curve for me, because to be honest with you, before all this, I mean, I've barely even knew how to turn on a dime computer. It's just not my thing. And it's never been my thing. But we've figured it out. And just Yes, it's a it's been a build up for sure. And but it is, it's gonna be great. I feel it, you know, I'm ready to make the next record. Now. I'm ready to just keep pumping them out there. I mean, during this time, also, I've been writing every single day. So thank God for songwriting, because it has kept me sane.
Thomas Mooney 8:35
Yeah, that's really interesting how like this year, obviously, a lot of artists have leaned into doing like, you know, Facebook streams and Instagram streams and just really engaging with audiences
that, like,
I don't know, like, it's weird, because obviously, like there's a screen between you in other people. But it seems that like, I don't know, like maybe because of all the downtime, like you've people have been able to connect to fans a little bit easier. Then maybe like even out on the road, just because when you're on tour, or if you're in a normal setting, it can sometimes be harder to because all your time is just divvied up, I guess. And then also just because sometimes in the bar setting, it's like, you know, 10 second interactions, like actual conversations.
Lainey Wilson 9:29
Absolutely, man, I mean, it's, uh, I'm the kind of person though that really does like feed off of, you know, people's energy face to face. So that that's been difficult for me. But at the end of the day, I'm so thankful for these outlets, you know, I mean, to just keep us, keep us connected. I don't know how would have been, you know, 20 years ago had something like this happened and we couldn't talk it would have been, it would have been very interesting. So it is wild that you can still somehow remain relevant When there's no touring, you know, I mean, it's, it's been, it's been crazy, but I've learned so much, I've got to learn a lot of stuff about myself, I'm not the kind of person to just sit still. And this has kind of forced me to, and forced me to really just kind of, you know, slow down and really soak it in and be thankful for every step big and small.
Thomas Mooney 10:21
Yeah, you've mentioned like how you've been writing songs this whole time, what's been like that learning curve, as far as, have you been doing a lot of like zoom calls and stuff like that? What's the energy like on those?
Lainey Wilson 10:36
In the beginning, it was very interesting, you know, very hard to read the room. Normally, we sit around a coffee pot, or music rows, and we catch up and we, you know, talk about each other's families and, and really just kind of, you know, just kind of shoot the shit honestly. And so it kind of really just cut out a lot of the mess. Like, literally, you get on there and you just write a dying song. There was like no chitchat, and like, we're there to do the job, which is kind of cool, too. But also, you know, writing with people who I had never written with before, I guess you would call it kind of like a blonde, right? That was a little difficult, because, you know, it's hard to get to know somebody, for real for real, on a deeper level when you're about to write a song with them through them. But it's, it's so interesting. I mean, you'll hear like things going on in the background, you'll hear somebody told it being flush, it's just like, you never know what's gonna happen.
Thomas Mooney 11:33
Yeah, it's, it's, I think it's so funny, because, you know, in person, as you mentioned, like the, the energy you feed off of inner energy, in, in a face to face setting. And obviously, like, that can help that helps immensely. In these times, when you're writing a song in the creative process, it may spark new ideas just based off of how you guys are reading one another. And then like, zoom, I feel like no matter how personable you are, no, no matter if you know, that person. Everyone's default setting is like, awkward. Like, that's just like, absolute very first, like,
Lainey Wilson 12:16
it's so interesting. I mean, like, you know, most of the time when you're, when you're trying to figure out a line, and you don't know which way to go, you know, maybe one of the riders was like, Hey, I'm asked about so I'm gonna smoke a cigarette, or I'm gonna, like, take a walk around the block. When you're on zoom, you know, you can just walk around your bedroom, that's about it. And, but at the end of the day, I feel like everybody that I've written with on zoom, even though it has been a hurdle for all of us, we're still you know, appreciative of it. And it's going to be interesting to see the songs that come out of this time. I mean, it's, it's been a difficult time for everybody, everybody, not just the buy music industry, everybody. And it's gonna be pretty cool seeing you know, the places that people have gone like you know, where they're getting their inspiration from and, and things that people are writing about. I'm interested to see what's going to be
Thomas Mooney 13:11
this episode of new slang is brought to you by the blue light live here in Lubbock, Texas. Blue Light has undoubtedly been my home away from home over the years, and has played such a vital role, not only for my development as a journalist, but obviously it's been one of the foundational pieces for a lot of your favorite songwriters and bands who have made it out of the Lubbock area over the years. And of course, as a music venue, they've played such a pivotal role for a lot of your favorite bands just in general. One of my favorite parts about blue light is just how versatile the place can truly be. I've seen it crowded and rowdy on a Saturday night for a rock and roll band. And I've seen it dead still on a Wednesday when a legendary singer songwriter rolls through town. What you should do is go over to blue light Lubbock COMM And check out all the new merge they've added hats, t shirts, both short and long sleeve. They also have hoodies and koozies and just added some sweatshirts that are very much an homage to the college sweatshirt that john Belushi wore an Animal House. And then of course, maybe the crown jewel of their new merge is the varsity club style jacket and blue satin. I got one the other day. And yeah, it's just one of my favorite things I own now. And yeah, I don't know. I just love it anyway, you can check out all their new merge over at blue light, loving calm, as always, I'll throw a link into the show notes for easy access. Okay, let's get back to the show. Yeah, I find like, this is going to be such an interesting time as well, because I think a lot of fans in general thought, Well, you know, like you guys have all this time now. You're able to like, I can't wait to hear the records out of here because everyone's going to be writing. And I guess what I've learned is that's true for some people and then other people. It's been like, you knows That's a weird thing, because it's not like, I don't know, like, they're not those type that are able to schedule out their time as well. And so it's like more inspiration based and maybe like their well was dry. So like they didn't necessarily just have anything to ride over.
Lainey Wilson 15:19
Despite Absolutely, yeah. Yeah, I mean, sometimes it is hard to write, you know, when you're not going out and about and listening to people talk and not in a bar, or, you know, just experience in life. We've all experienced life, of course, during this time, but in a different kind of way that we'd never have. And, you know, thankfully, I have been able to write with a lot of writers who are just incredible, I can't even explain it, I'm talking about like, top notch, they don't necessarily have to be experienced, and whatever we're writing about, you know, they could put themselves into the shoes of that pair of boots everyday, or whatever, you know, and they can write from perspective of, of that they can like, the cool thing is, like, if I gave him an idea, or a feeling, they could literally take on that failing with me and feel it from top to bottom. And they've kind of taught me how to do that. So they're in this time, you know, there's a whole lot going on in life when it comes to just just being around people and, and thankfully, I've kind of been able to channel that, and just kind of put myself into the shoes of whatever it is that we're writing about, and just dive in and dig in. And, you know, it's crazy sometimes to because what you're doing that maybe you're not experienced that directly, but then a few months down the road, maybe it comes true, maybe it don't. And but you're you're still writing about something that you have no clue what you're actually writing about until later on. And you're like, Oh, I got it.
Thomas Mooney 16:52
Yeah, like, I think like, for me, as like a listener. The best, like the most apt way of for that is or the, I guess, like the analogy is, you know, whenever you listen to a song at like, 18. And then like, at 25 it finally like clicks, like what it's actually more about, and you're like, oh, okay, yes.
Yeah, that
happens for for the writers too.
Lainey Wilson 17:20
It does, for sure. And it's wild, too, I feel like, you know, the older I get, the more I write. I mean, I've been writing since I was nine years old. And I've written 1000s and 1000s of songs, I'm not saying all of them are good. But all of them have served a purpose. And you know, they're, I feel like sometimes you got to write the bad ones to get to the good ones. But they all serve a purpose. And it's pretty, it's very interesting, you know, I feel like, the older I get, the more I figure out what I want to say how I want to say it, and you know, really figuring out my crowd of people and what maybe you know, what they're experienced on or what they can relate to. And for me, that just gets better with every song.
Thomas Mooney 18:07
Yeah, like, I think like, what that is, is I think there's like a special spot whenever an artist starts writing, with like, the process more in mind, versus, like, Oh, I gotta hit, I got to write a number one hit, oh, I gotta hit, I got to write something for radio, I got to write something that's more of a ballot, I want this cut by, you know, whoever. And, you know, I guess like what you're talking about with some of the CO writers that you've been working with that empathy, that versatility to be able to, like, Oh, I'm not, you know, this doesn't really apply to me. But I can morph into that I can, you know, step out of my own perspective. And I think like, that's what's so amazing. How I mean, like, this is gonna sound maybe a dumb question, but like, like, is that just does that just come with time, like getting to that point where you just kind of stop thinking about, like, all of the, the stuff around writing songs and just like, the songs themselves the stories?
Lainey Wilson 19:15
Yes, I am. Just like getting in there and just doing the damn thing. It's, it's crazy. I mean, at the end of the day, for me, of course, I could, you know, like I said, these writers, these incredible writers who have been writing for years and years and years, have taught me how to, you know, put myself into the shoes of whatever right and about, but at the end of the day, I feel like the songs that are cut in record, are the ones that are the most true to me. And you can kind of tell that, you know, I mean, while we're when I'm sitting down with my team, and we're all just listening through everything that I've been writing, the ones that stand out, are the ones that you know, are made to my core and are really just kind of telling my truth and but, but you So I feel like with Tom, you know, for me, at least with Tom, I've been able to, to be able to write about, you know, something that maybe my co writer in the room has experienced and or maybe they have a story and, and it's so, so much fun because it's almost like you're kind of asked him for like four hours or however long it takes you to write that bang song. And it keeps it interesting. Sure.
Thomas Mooney 20:26
Yeah, like, I think like, That's such a, I don't know, like, I felt like for some reason we were I know why we do it. But we always romanticize the songwriters, who are just first person narrative diary. Because like, you just feel like they're more real. But then like, I don't know that like, there's like, the Tom t Hall's, and like, the john prions that, like, wrote about all kinds of stuff that the Roger Miller's of the world that, you know, we're able to, like, write about literally anything, and you're able to, like, still feel something from them?
Lainey Wilson 21:01
Yes. The it's, it's unbelievable. songwriting is. Thank God for it, man. Thank God for it. It's, it's just so it does something to me. I mean, before I would have even considered myself an artist, I would have considered myself a songwriter. You know, when I moved to Nashville, I didn't really know how to get started. I didn't know how to get my foot in the door. I honestly didn't know what the hell I was doing. And I figured the best way for me to do that was through my songwriting. And, you know, that was the thing that was like, Yes, helping me kind of move forward. But it was also the thing that was keeping me sane, and it's pretty dang cool, that I'm able to do what I love for a living. And it's just, that's very rare. And so I don't, you know, I don't take it lightly.
Thomas Mooney 21:52
Yeah, that's I find like the, obviously like Nashville, it is a Music City. And people are always moving there to become a an artist, or a country superstar, or, you know, a songwriter. And it feels like no one necessarily has like the playbook and like, you can just do it so many ways. And but but I feel like everyone who moves there, you have like these ideas in your head about what you want to do. But then like, it's totally different once you get there and try and figure out that process.
Lainey Wilson 22:28
Oh, absolutely. I mean, yeah, when I moved here, I thought I knew exactly how it was going to go down. I thought it might take few years. And then I realized real quick, that there is no certain recipe or instruction book on how to do this. And there's no right way to do it. And but I finally just kind of decided, well, if I don't go home, if I don't have a plan B, this has got to work at some point in time. So it was just never an option for me to go home ever. I'm like, I'm gonna figure this out one way or another, you know, and everybody's got their own way of getting there. And I mean, I've been in Nashville now for 10 years. And here's a 10 year town, so I'm hoping.
Thomas Mooney 23:13
Yeah,
Lainey Wilson 23:14
well, I heard Actually, I heard it was a seven year town and then seven years passed me up. And I was like,
Thomas Mooney 23:21
yeah, that's the I felt like if there's somebody out there who's like, it's an 18 month town, but like, that's because they made it out of the right.
Lainey Wilson 23:34
I mean, to have a talk with that person.
Thomas Mooney 23:37
Yeah, it's how he's like, fine, like the perspective so interesting. Because, you know, it is so easy to think like, I'm gonna just, it's gonna it's gonna be hard work. But yeah, I'll make it and then like, you hear stories of You got it, like you remember, like, Oh, yeah, like Willie Nelson was struggling for years. And he didn't become Willie Nelson until like, you know, as far as that household name until his late 30s. And it's like, Okay, well, yeah, there's time. There's time for for you to, to, to get what you
Lainey Wilson 24:11
are believer in, like, yeah, timing is everything. You know, I feel like, what I do the music are right. It wasn't the right time, even even a year ago for me, you know, I feel like maybe it wouldn't have been as cool as it might be now. Or I think it's just doing what you do. not let anybody tell you, you know, to change or whatever. I mean, yeah, there's always room for growth. And you can always improve with everything I'm learning every single day but like sticking to your guns and and really just doing what you do the best. And eventually, I feel like, you know, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm right. I don't know. I feel like if you just stick to it. There's a there's a time and and I feel like you know this tale There's a place for everybody. You know, it doesn't mean that every single one of us are gonna be being superstars. But that's the beauty of the sound.
Thomas Mooney 25:10
Yeah, like, I feel like I don't know, maybe you're like me as far as when I was growing up. I just thought, yeah, if you're a musician, you're like Dolly Parton level, you're George Strait level and you just like, I never realized, oh, there's a lot of middle ground and like being in the middle ground is more than worthy. I want to break one more time to talk about our pals over at Desert door and offer a handful of my favorite go twos. By no means am I an experienced mixologist or bartender or anything like that. But these have been super easy to make and great ways to unwind in the evening. Let's start off by upping your range water game a little bit by subbing desert Dorian, I'm a simple man. I just kind of take a topo Chico, take a couple of drinks out at some desert door and top it off with a few lime wedges. I'm actually pretty big on the palomas now to what I'll do is take some desert door, some grapefruit juice, a dash of a GAVI nectar and some fresh lime juice. And I'm kind of big on lime. So I'll throw in another wedge or two when I poured over some ice. And actually I'll do the exact same thing, but I'll substitute some pineapple for the great fruit for a changeup. And now that the weather is dipping down, I started having a desert door version of a hot toddy, put some door and some honey together and give it a mix at an Earl Grey tea bag with some boiling hot water. Let it just sit for a minute. Remember, patience is a virtue. And then of course, I'll squeeze in a little bit of lemon just to have that balance. Anyway, desert door, it's as versatile as vodka and more refined, smooth and complex than tequila. It's rich and balanced. So whatever your go to is, it'll do the trick. For more info on desert door, check the show notes. All right, back to the episode.
Lainey Wilson 26:56
Yeah, okay. So,
Thomas Mooney 26:58
you know, you mentioned how, like, you just felt like doing this, finding your voice. It's gonna work out at some point. On this new record, right here, was there like a, a watershed moment of a specific song that where you felt like, you were returning? And you realize that vision and it was actually like, Oh, this is, you know, I don't actually like to put all the pressure on one song but it was there like a moment where like, Yeah, for sure. One song just kind of like, oh, open, like new doors, I guess.
Lainey Wilson 27:32
Absolutely. And it's crazy. I do have that song that kind of like pivoted that moment for me. And it's actually not even on this record, I had a release it on an EP. Before the red neck Hollywood EP, it was right when I was just about sun, my publishing deal with Sony. And that song for me with one called dream catcher. And it's literally just an acoustic song on my EP, but the writing and everything just felt like, okay, I just took a step forward, I have written 1000s of songs. And this song right here, I feel like I'm headed in the right direction. And this is, this is my silence. And this is, you know, this is the kind of music that I want to make, and the stories that I want to tell. And that really just set the groundwork for me. And so I kind of from that moment on when I was like, well dammit, I don't I will not write anything worse than that. It's got to be that or better. So that kind of set the bar for me. dreamcatcher
Thomas Mooney 28:32
Yeah, that's, I find like that to be really fascinating. Like, you just kind of knowing and like, not necessarily maybe in the moment, but just kind of knowing after writing that, like, Oh, yes. This is what I want to do. This is the sound. I can't write the song again. 100 times, but like, they all need to be better than this.
Lainey Wilson 28:55
Yep. Yeah. No, it's been a fun process. It's, um, it's just, you know, figuring out who you are, and, and what you want to say to the world. And like I said, I feel like every single day, every song I write, I'm figuring that out a little more. So I'm excited. Like, I'm excited to put this record out. I'm excited to put the next 10 Records out I've got a lot to say.
Thomas Mooney 29:23
Yeah, well, I mean, like, I think like the first song that really that I heard from you was that Sunday best song and like, it ended up being one of those songs where I would be doing something else like washing the dishes or something and then realize like, I was humming along to it or something and not being on and I just I don't like there was some there's something super infectious about that song that I don't know. Just like there's like that little bit of like that country soul aspect to it, as well. Yeah, what was it like? Take me back to like writing that song, I guess is what I'm asking.
Lainey Wilson 30:03
Yes, absolutely. So I wrote the song. I wrote Sony bass with Bryce long and Shane Manor, two of the country as people I know, I'm talking about like cowboy country. And so I knew that day when we were writing that we were going to, we're going to get us a country song. So Bryce had this idea called drinkin in my Sunday dress. And we actually wrote it that day. Yeah, basically kind of talking about a sundress and that but for some reason, I kept coming back the same thing, the melody was stuck in my head, I could not get it out of my head, when we sat down to figure out what we were putting. We were we were putting it all underneath that category of saying what I'm thinking it had to be, is it saying what I'm thinking whether it was things in an order, no dirty looks, www D. And I still just kept coming back to the song. But for some reason, it was not, it was not ready just yet. And it was because the title wasn't right. And I don't wear dresses. So we changed it last minute to Sunday best. And it really just kind of took it over the top for me and I can relate to it more. And we went into the studio with Jay Joyce to cut the project. And this was the second song I believe that we started recording. And he just started out with this, this bass line and I'm like, oh, my goodness, this is gonna be funky, is gonna be I Spelunky country song. I'm so down for that. And he brought it to us in a way that I could have really never imagined. And he somehow can take three minutes of a song. And literally make you feel like you've watched the whole day movie. And that's what he did for Sunday best for me. And it is one of my favorites on the record, too. It's just a vibe.
Thomas Mooney 31:52
Yeah, like there's that very, it's a very southern kind of like Bobby Gentry kind of baseline.
Lainey Wilson 31:59
That's that was the goal. I'm so glad. Because literally that when we were going into cut the phone James like I'm thinking Bobbie Gentry, and I'm like, Yes, channel, Bobby. Let's do that. So that's awesome. You just said that.
Thomas Mooney 32:14
Yeah. And that's not even like any like, you know, press notes or anything like that. I came up with that by myself. So
Lainey Wilson 32:24
killed it?
Thomas Mooney 32:25
Yeah. What you mentioned how, like, how you these songs all had to fit underneath that umbrella of saying what I'm thinking, and they had to work for you, as far as it needed to be real and genuine. When you saying it? What was it like, taking that process of getting whatever that number of songs was, and kind of dwindling them down to? What we have, like, here is yes. 12
Lainey Wilson 32:54
Yeah, it was, it was a big process. I mean, we had, we had boiled it down to 200 songs. And because I had just been writing for years, you know, they say that you get your whole life to write your first, you know, your first record. And, and this was my first record with a label. And so this was not thrown together. I mean, this is something where, you know, we strategically went through everything. And so it was, I think it took probably like 10 or so meetings, us all getting together. And finally, probably the third or second meeting, we decided, saying what I'm thinking the song, we were like, this got to be on there. It's got to we got to figure out and I was like, Man, this could be a great album title. Because, you know, I was looking through the songs and trying to find, you know, a word or something that stood out to me that was kind of like, you know, title and a little boat and saying what I'm thinking just stood out. And I was like, we need to basically choose every single, every single song on this record based off, is it saying what I'm thinking? And yeah, so there was a lot of things that I absolutely love. And I will probably put out in the future. That didn't make the record because it wasn't technically saying what I was thinking. And it just yeah, it feels like a project. And I love the way that feels. You know, I don't know if people listen to full records anymore. But I love listening to a full record. I love listening top to bottom, and really just kind of dive in then and and hopefully people will with this record too. But yeah, we put a lot of thought into that. And it really did just kind of it just came to fruition once we sat down and really started thinking about, you know, the bottom lines of saying what I'm thinking,
Thomas Mooney 34:44
yeah, it's almost like, I felt like I would be overwhelmed myself if I was part of that process. But it feels like you know, it's one of those things where, you know, you you kind of pick that path that you're going down and then it becomes easier, and everyone just starts going, Oh, well, this needs to be on there. This needs to be on there and like things are going off like neon lights, like, choose me, because I fit here. So yeah,
Lainey Wilson 35:12
I don't know, like it was difficult. I mean, they're like, they're all like my babies, you know, you put so much work into every single song. And at the end of the day, though, there's the cream rises to the top. And I'm proud to actually think the man ought to know almost didn't make the record, man. And last minute, for some reason, I just kept having this like, overwhelming feeling. Because probably the Holy Spirit, you know, and it was, it just made me feel like we have got to cut thank them and organize. And thank God we do that because that's the final.
Thomas Mooney 35:47
Yeah, that's such a great song. I love just like, the again, it's one of those songs that I'm doing other things and like, I just can't hear that little. I don't even necessarily know what instrument it is. But like that intro part, I can just like, hear that in there and just be like, Okay,
Lainey Wilson 36:05
thank you. Yeah, it's actually a guitar. Okay.
Thomas Mooney 36:08
Yeah. I'm not a musician.
Lainey Wilson 36:09
Yeah, and don't really sound like a guitar. I have no clue what they did to make it sound that way. But phone calls?
Thomas Mooney 36:18
Yeah. Like, I try to think like, to me what it sounds like almost is if you're listening to like, I don't know, like early 90s Dr. Dre. Like he would have like those little synth sounds and stuff. Like that's like the most compared comparative thing I can think of? I don't know.
Lainey Wilson 36:37
Man, I'm feeling that.
Thomas Mooney 36:40
You know what I'm talking about, though. Like that sound? Yeah.
Lainey Wilson 36:45
That's awesome.
Thomas Mooney 36:46
I don't even know what that instrument is either. It's probably some key thing. But yeah, okay. Yeah, I was gonna ask about like, you know, you mentioned all these songwriters that you've been working with. One songwriter who has a co ride on here is Luke dick. And, like, he's clearly been part of a lot of really great songs with amazing artists. He just recently put out like a new, I guess, as a soundtrack to that documentary that he released. And, like, I just absolutely love that thing. Like that song polyester like, just as
Lainey Wilson 37:27
though I love it, man. He is a character. What?
Thomas Mooney 37:31
Yeah, what is it like, like sitting in a room? across the table, or whatever the case is?
Lainey Wilson 37:38
Yeah. So before I wrote with Luke, I've been a fan of his and I love what he does. I love how he just bring something fresh to the table. And he is unapologetically himself, and I love surrounding myself with people who just are themselves. They're not trying to be anything but themselves. And that is like big. And actually, the day that we wrote Pike, it was mayhem. And john Pierce and john. He's a good old boy. He's a Montana boy, loves to fish. We get along great. And we went in there to write in his suit and lived in studio and he lights up this pipe. And I'm like, What in the world This man is literally smoking his pipe in the middle of his studio. I mean, he's just doing his thing. He didn't give two shits. And it was so refreshing. And to myself, I was thinking, we'll put that in your pipe and smoke it. And so I asked him, I was like, Hey, have you ever written this? And he said, No, that's alright, today. So he is just his brain thinks in a way that that nobody else's does and just somehow just can take something. He can make it. He can bring like quirkiness to the table, but also like cool, it's like cool, quirky. And he's just my other job by logging.
Thomas Mooney 38:57
Yeah, like that's like there is definitely like that quirkiness and I think if people listen to that solo record, or that soundtrack record, whatever it is really, like since it is his record, that quirkiness is just a little bit more. So like I feel like that just you can see it easier, I guess then maybe like, like a song that he's done with Miranda Lambert or somebody like that, you know. This episode of new slang is brought to you by Hot damn coffee. Rolling in from the hills of Eastern Tennessee is hot damn coffee. It's a downhome company that rose single origin high quality coffees from around the world. Their year round rows come from certified farms in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nicaragua. Check out the hot damn website over at Hot damn dot coffee. There you can find more info on their operation and roasting process and some helpful tips on how to brew the best cup of coffee. They certainly made my mornings that much better and to be be perfectly honest, I enjoy a nice cup of coffee at all hours of the day. Some of my favorites have been the Tanzanian peaberry in medium roast and the medium roast of Nicaraguan with the honey process. While there, check out their hot damn coffee Club, which is a monthly subscription service with a holiday season coming upon us. It's just really kind of the perfect gift. I don't care how difficult or easy a person is to shop for. They'll always be good with items like high quality coffee. And of course right now, if you throw in the promo code slang in all caps, that's s l a n g, you'll get 20% off your order. And if you're signing up for the coffee club subscription service, they'll take 20% off that first month and also throw in a bonus eight ounce bag of their Nicaraguan coffee. Again, that slang in all caps, head over to hot damn coffee and sign up today. Alright, let's get back to the episode. You know, like right now in country music, it feels like there is definitely a rise in I guess like we're, we're I don't know if we're slowly or if it was quickly getting out of like, bro country. But it seems like right now like, you know, all the best songwriters in Nashville are making country music are women and they're women songwriters who are writing about things that are genuine and real in their lives. I think you can obviously point to people like Kacey musgraves, all the way to like Lori McKenna. How important is it? Do you think that, you know, that there are these voices for upcoming songwriters? And does it make you more comfortable? Knowing that like, Oh, yeah, like, people are buying records that are real and authentic? And that are from a woman's perspective?
Lainey Wilson 42:01
Yeah, no, it's, it feels good. I mean, yeah, I feel like like you just said, the broad country thing. And you know, it still is still kicking. But I think, right now is a time for, you know, something a little different to come to the table. And I think I'm hearing a lot of that, which is cool, because I grew up listening to 90s country, and I kind of feel like, it's kind of going back that way a little. And which is super refreshing to me, just the story that tails and, and I feel like, you know, a lot of these ladies, which I'd actually just got a chance to write with Lord McKenna this week for the first time, and it was unbelievable. And the things that big ladies have to say, you know, it's, it's really powerful. And, you know, to see people latching on to, you know, things that they want to say and stories I want to tell it's, it's a cool thing, because it just it gives me the, you know, little finally to just to just keep on going and to do the dang thing. Because at the end of the day, you know, I do have a lot to say and a lot to share. And so it's awesome.
Thomas Mooney 43:09
Yeah, Lori McKenna, who was just, I don't know, like, there's just, she's just ridiculously amazing. It feels like how are these songs not been? Like, around since the beginning of time or something? She's just
Lainey Wilson 43:22
yeah, it's my honor. That's and that's the beauty of like, of what somebody like Carter does. I mean, I feel like, you know, like a write a song. The song she probably wrote today could be I smash today and it could have been a smash 50 years ago, when she when you can write a song that is timeless, that stands the test of time. And she does.
Thomas Mooney 43:43
Yeah, I've heard that like, from other people as far as writing with her, she, she of course, like it's one of those things where if you know who she is, and you know what she's written that can obviously be super intimidating. But she very much lets like disarms, that not necessarily disarms the situation, but she makes you incredibly comfortable in that setting, like, within seconds. Yeah. Is that kind of like the it was
Lainey Wilson 44:11
crazy. I felt like I had known her forever. And I hope I hope one day you know, I can be that for somebody because I'm not gonna lie before I jumped on the zoom cauterize song war. mackinaw like, Oh, my God, I can't believe I'm writing song The Lord McKenna. And I'm a little nervous. What am I gonna write? Oh my gosh, let me bring my best idea to the table. And she pumped me up. She did. She was like, she was excited now without forking. She was excited and and really just kind of like, it boosted my confidence. I'm like, dang, we're McKenna likes that line. I just said like, What in the world? Maybe I'm not that bad.
Thomas Mooney 44:55
Yeah, I feel I don't know. I feel like maybe this is an extra Thing added on to because of the zoom call thing is, so as a journalist, obviously, most of the interviews I've done are on the phone or on zoom or something like that. And I've always had like that nervous energy, like five minutes before the interview 30 minutes before the interview. And then like, I just, like, turn it off as best I can once we hit record, but, and he just goes out the room. I don't know, like, maybe like, that's like this added thing for for artists now. Do you feeling like that five minutes crazy.
Lainey Wilson 45:34
I still get nervous to like, I mean, the thing is, it's so much fun once you get going, but it's just the thought of like, Oh my gosh, I've never talked to this person, like, hope they like me, you know, hope we can. We have a lot to talk about. And then at the end the day when it's over, it's like dying. Why was I nervous? But I think for me, it's probably more excitement. I get excited. I just get so like antsy.
Thomas Mooney 46:00
Yeah, like and, you know, with with Laurie, I think her like, the thing that I love most about her songwriting is, like her ability to capture, like the passing of time. Like I think, like, that's what she does the best. Like, in all of her songs, like it feels like she, there's no wasted words, and it never feels like she's rambling. But like, in a sentence, like you just know, like that, what the, like the depth and the weight of all that time that's passed by. And even if that time is like, decades, or if it's like, five seconds, or a glance or something.
Lainey Wilson 46:39
I know, she's, she is a master. And I'm honored to be able to be in a room with somebody like her and just learn. I mean, she was, it's so crazy, because she's been on my bucket list for a long time. And she was like, number one bucket list and, and for her to even know who I am, and like, want to write a song with me was a huge, huge deal for me. And my goal is to just get better every single time I sit down to write a song and, you know, I think that's what's gonna happen if I keep getting the opportunity to write songs. People like Lori McKenna.
Thomas Mooney 47:13
Yeah, do you? Like I guess like the bucket list names? Not you'd have to name anyone who you've not written with? But like, how often have you had to, like, update the list? Because, you know, names are getting crossed off.
Lainey Wilson 47:28
Yeah, it's wild. I feel like, I'm so grateful. But lately, I've really got to cross off, you know, several of those names. And actually one of those names. You know, he's on my angle. He's on things a man I don't know. And now we've written 15 by songs together, but Jonathan Singleton. Oh, Overstreet. Just because he wrote one of my most favorite songs ever when you sign up at all, which also I feel like is a super calm or song. Toni line, he was intimidating. He was, but just out of this world, out of this world. He wrote little pass Little Rock, and I'm a huge land, Womack fan. And just, you know, is awesome too. Because, you know, I mean, you have to you, you have to grow with a Tom. And I feel like you know, what I did back in the day was incredible. But they still have somehow figured out how to just kind of navigate and just grow with the times and that's when you know, you're dying professional when you don't have just one thing that you can specifically do when you can just do it all and somehow still sell it?
Thomas Mooney 48:40
Absolutely. Yeah. Now this is like my time to plug. If you haven't listened to like the Tony lane, solo record, listeners go listen to the Tony lane solo record, because it's just phenomenal. And it is like all these amazing songs. Yeah, like you mentioned Paul Overstreet and like, adapting with the times. A great example of that is clearly like, you know, you mentioned the, when you say nothing at all, or like he co wrote like, forever and ever. Amen. And like all these amazing songs back in the late 80s and 90s. But he also wrote like, she thinks my tractor sexy by Kenny Chesney. And, like, I guess, I was like, 20 years old, too, but I think like that shows like a the versatility again, to like, it doesn't always have to be serious. And three, like, you know, you can just keep on adapting and moving on with the time.
Lainey Wilson 49:37
Yeah. It's awesome. It really is awesome in this town has just helped me so much and embraced me and given me an opportunity that I've dreamed about my entire life. I mean, I just never in a million years, you know, that I really think I'd be able to, I mean, write a song with these people. But even just become friends with them. That's right. This world to me.
Thomas Mooney 50:05
Yeah, you. Okay, so like the 90s country thing. I absolutely love 90s country as well. The, you know what, what I think like, is so great about 90s country that you're tapping into, as far as, you know, a lot of writers writing what they, what they feel and know is, is going back to like these, like, adult situation songs where like, you know, they can be about divorce or like legit, like, heartbreak and not necessarily like, you know, weekend fleeing kind of heartbreaking.
Lainey Wilson 50:40
Yeah.
Thomas Mooney 50:40
So I think like, that's what's kind of coming back around is like those kinds of songs. And that's what excites me.
Lainey Wilson 50:50
I know, it's something that like, here's the thing, at the end of the day, we all want to feel something, whether it's happy, whether it punches you in the gut, whatever, at least me, I want to feel something. And you know, those songs. I feel like they're songs that you can turn on and listen to you can, you know, really, you could be in the happiest time of your life, you can be on cloud nine, but the listen to the song and it can take you right back to a certain feeling and a certain time and place. And those are the songs. I feel like, really those stand the test of time and the songs that deserve to be heard. And I'm not pricy where country music is headed? Because I feel like it's headed in a great, great direction.
Thomas Mooney 51:37
Yeah, absolutely. I
think like there's a lot of I think what's happening right now is, we're getting back to a point where we're allowing more diverse voices to come to the table. And it's not as nearly as homogenized as it got to be like in the I don't know, like the the mid to the late 2000s. There's a lot more room for all kinds of voices. And that's what's what's great. So I think that's like the, I think like, that's the thing that we can all look forward to. So obviously, yeah, like you mentioned, how Jay Joyce produced this record, talked me through like the process of working with him as far as him like, obviously, produce has produced a lot of really great records with a lot of really great artists. What what was, how did you get in with him as far as him producing this record here?
Lainey Wilson 52:39
For sure. And it's crazy, too, because Jay has always been, you know, that person when, when people asked me who I wanted to work with who I wanted to create a record with, I would always say Jay Joyce, and I don't know if I manifested it or what, but I was writing with this guy named grant Romano. And I actually wrote la with him. And Frank lived like a block from Jay Joyce's studio and j studios. It's like old, renovated church. And so when Frank would get finished writing, sometimes he would go over to Jay studio and just kind of hang out with him and say what he was working on. Well, Frank just kept mentioning my name to him. And I had not even talked to frank about, you know, really want Jay to produce my stuff. But that's just so crazy how the Lord works. I mean, literally, Frank, just whenever there was like line, he did assign me that whatever. So finally, I think Jay was like, Who are you talking about? Do I need to meet this girl? So finally, Frank, he put us in contact and and Jay reached out to me and said, Hey, would you like to stop by the studio and paying and I went over there the first time, and he opened up the sanctuary door, and he was smoking a cigarette. And I was like, Oh, my gosh, I love this man. And we went in there. And you know, I didn't play anything for him that day. He had steel, never heard any of my stuff. But I went in, and I sat down, and we really just kind of got to know each other. And I heard from a lot of people that, you know, he's super intimidating. He wears black trench coat, he lights, a cigarette, toaster, all kinds of stuff, no clue what to expect. But I went in there, and it truly felt like we were kindred spirits. And it just felt right. And I can't even explain it. And I left that day. And I'm like, Well, I know him. He knows me now. But he still don't know my music. And he hollered at me again was like, hey, do you wanna come hang out again? And I'm like, Okay, I guess we're just we just hang in. But finally this time he he threw me a guitar and he was like, let me see what you got. And I played boring, and I think I played like two and a half songs. And we get I finished I went home and then I reached back out to him. And I said, I'm not sure what you had in mind. But I know what I did. And I want to make a record with you. And he was like, let's do it dammit. So I got to go back to my label and tell them you know, I've actually, I've talked to Jay Joyce I'm and he's on board if we really want to do this thing. So it was it was a I looked cool. I looked really cool being able to go back to the life that I've already talked.
Thomas Mooney 55:29
Yeah, I just vision you in there. Also like, yeah, saying, Yeah, Jays on board to produce this record. And let's do it. And then like you, like, lit that cigarette on a toaster. That seems very impractical.
Lainey Wilson 55:47
I am, he is something he really is. But yeah, he, for me wasn't real intimidating. I was just so excited to be in there and just learn from him and watch him do his thing. And I like to call him the mad scientist because that's really what he is. I mean, he would walk up to people's guitars while we were just playing, and he would kind of just like, bump them a little bit and antonette just to create this different kind of sound. And I think that's why we work so well together is because he's not trying to be perfect and neither am I. And I think that's what makes us both so cool is it's you know, it's he could still make it up the middle but a little left of center to
Thomas Mooney 56:31
Yeah.
You made your Grand Ole Opry debut this past year. Like, obviously, without the rehash again about how this past year has been so weird. What but like take me back to like, what's what's that morning? Like? Like you're waking up and you know that you're playing? What what's like the before you even get there, what is that? Like?
Lainey Wilson 56:58
I was a nervous wreck. I'll tell you right now. I was a nervous wreck. I was. I was excited and nervous. I mean, so I'll back it up a little bit and tell you when I was when I was nine years old after had written my first song. My parents took me on a trip to Gatlinburg. And on our way home to Louisiana, I begged my daddy just to drop through Nashville. And while we did you know, he took me to the Grand Ole Opry. And I remember seeing Bo Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Phil Vassar, little Jimmy Dickens and think that was it. And I remember exactly where I was sitting. I was stage lift towards the back. And I remember just watching everybody up there thinking, I'm gonna do that one day. And that sounds crazy coming from a nine year old, but I truly, I'm telling me I just had this overwhelming feeling like, I'm gonna have the opportunity to do that. And so that whole day, getting ready to play the Opry I just kept having a flashback to that nine year old whiny. And, you know, just like and how crazy is it that that truly, you know, it truly came through. And I just so honored. And it was so crazy because as nervous as I was as soon as as soon as I was introduced. Lip Terry Clark introduced me. I went out there as soon as I stepped onto that would all my nerves went away. And I mean, I was I was honored to be able to stand in the same circle that all my heroes have stood. But in a weird kind of way. I felt like, you know, I deserve to be there too.
Thomas Mooney 58:48
Yeah, again, going back to like the manifesting, you know, it's Yeah, yeah. Like that's, it's really interesting how you can be so nervous. And then right as like, you know,
you're introduced.
All those things can just go wow. Yeah.
It's it's one of those. Yeah, that's
Lainey Wilson 59:07
one of those moments for me that I felt like, I was right where I was supposed to be.
Thomas Mooney 59:13
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Well, thank
you so much as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this record and enjoyed this conversation. And, yeah,
we'll do it again sometime.
Lainey Wilson 59:25
Yeah, absolutely. Thank you so much. I'm doing that.
Thomas Mooney 59:30
Alright, that just about wraps it up for this one. Huge thanks to Laney Be sure to check out her new record coming out at the end of the week. That's February 19. Go check out our presenting partners. Buy something from them over at Desert door, the blue light light or hot damn coffee, check out the Patreon and the merch store. Buy something there as well. All right, I'll see y'all later this week for another episode.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai