NEW YORK — Country star Maren Morris has become a powerful voice for the LGBTQ community, revealing her own journey of self-discovery as she publicly advocates for diverse identities. Following her recent declaration of bisexuality, Morris reflected on her past support for transgender rights and social justice movements, realizing that her activism has often mirrored her own personal struggles.
Morris candidly shared her internal conflicts about revealing her sexuality, especially after years spent in heterosexual relationships. She questioned whether it was appropriate to share her attractions to women while married to fellow musician Ryan Hurd. “I think I was searching for the courage to voice what was inside me,” she said.
The Grammy-winning artist, who has also championed causes such as Black Lives Matter, is navigating significant life transitions, including her divorce from Hurd. These experiences have greatly influenced her latest album, “Dreamsicle,” which showcases her evolution artistically and personally. “With this album, I feel a new kind of freedom. It’s more seasoned and authentic, a reflection of my wisdom in my 30s,” Morris remarked.
On “Dreamsicle,” her fourth studio album, Morris blends country with elements of pop, soft rock, and bluegrass. Collaborating with noted producers like Jack Antonoff and Laura Veltz, she penned all 14 tracks herself, maintaining her signature sound while exploring new creative territories.
Throughout the tumult of the past year, Morris continuously turned to songwriting, using it as a means to process her grief and loss. “I was often avoiding going home and just lost in writing,” she said. Some vocal recordings came from an emotional place so deep that she scarcely remembered performing them.
The album features standout tracks such as “grand bouquet,” which captures a sense of hope amidst struggle, and pop-driven songs like “cry in the car,” which explore heartbreak. Morris has also embraced new themes in singles like “bed no breakfast,” inspired by her first date with a woman. Writing with the queer band MUNA helped her feel safe in expressing this new chapter of her life.
The title track, “Dreamsicle,” represents a significant moment for Morris. She described it as the first song she wrote entirely on her own, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection in its creation. “It came to me in the middle of the night, signaling that everything in my life was about to change,” she explained.
As she prepares for a global tour set to kick off in July, Morris has received overwhelming support from the Nashville community, which some have criticized for lacking acceptance. She hopes “Dreamsicle” resonates as a celebration of healing rather than a chronicle of heartbreak.
“This album encapsulates dealing with grief and the friendships that help mend you,” Morris remarked. “My goal is to show others that healing is possible, and if I can make it through, they can too.”