Lainey Wilson, the rising country star, has shared how songwriting became her sanctuary during her formative years. As she gears up for the release of her new album Whirlwind, Wilson, 32, revealed in an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe that music was her refuge from childhood hardships.
Wilson opened up about dealing with social challenges and “mean girls” during her teenage years. “I don’t know if I’d call it bullying, but it was definitely tough,” she explained. “When you’re 13 or 14, it’s hard to navigate those emotions. Music became my outlet to process what I was feeling.”
The “Hang Tight Honey” artist described how writing songs allowed her to cope with her personal struggles and continues to serve as a vital form of self-expression. “Songwriting has helped me connect with others’ experiences,” she said. “It’s one of my greatest strengths and weaknesses—being able to empathize and write from different perspectives. It’s made me a better person.”
Wilson began writing songs at age 9 and grew up immersed in country music, inspired by legends like Glen Campbell, Tim McGraw, and Patsy Cline. “In my town, country music is everything,” she told PEOPLE last year. “I’ve loved it deeply, and I feel like country music is finally starting to reciprocate that love.”
The upcoming album, Whirlwind, named after the tumultuous year she’s experienced, is set for release on August 23. Wilson described it as her most personal work to date. “This album is the most cathartic piece of art I’ve created. I hope it brings peace and comfort, just as it did for me,” she stated.
Wilson, who won Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May, emphasized the importance of quality over quantity in her music. “We focused on what worked best, and the process kept me inspired,” she said.
Ahead of the album’s debut, she has released several singles, including “Hang Tight Honey,” “4x4xU,” and “Good Horses,” featuring Miranda Lambert. Her new track “Out of Oklahoma” is also featured on the soundtrack for the film Twisters.
