Miranda Lambert

As Miranda Lambert gears up for her forthcoming Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour later this summer, there is no grass growing under her feet in anticipation of hitting the road.  In fact, she has been hitting the road already—performing and making appearances solo and with friends at music festivals and awards shows all spring.

2019 has been action-packed to say the least.

Earlier this year, Miranda announced to happily stunned friends and fans alike that she “got hitched,” saying, “I met the love of my life,” after marrying New York City police officer Brendan McLoughlin in a secret ceremony on Valentine’s Day.

Making her rounds at the 2019 ACM Awards in April, Miranda looked vibrant and feisty as she rocked out with her hits “Kerosene,” “Gunpowder and Lead,” “Mama’s Broken Heart,” and “White Liar,” ending the medley with “Little Red Wagon.”

The ACMs are a special place for Miranda, racking up 32 wins over the years—the most in ACMs history—as host Reba McEntire noted in her introduction.  Telling the audience, “A hit isn’t a position on a chart, it’s what people sing along to,” cemented the fact that she is a force in country music whose repertoire of hits reads like a roadmap of a richly wild and rural American life that continues to evolve and mature at every turn.

Combining her music with things that are close to her heart, Miranda marched through downtown Nashville during CMA Fest in June to raise awareness about adopting a shelter pet while celebrating the 10th anniversary of her MuttNation Foundation.

It was at the CMA that she also premiered the super high-velocity “Locomotive,” Lambert’s first new music since releasing the double album The Weight of These Wings in 2016 and a precursor of what to expect from the release of her seventh studio album.  With almost three years between records, Lambert has much to share.

She tells us, “I worked through the spring to get a new record recorded and it’s done.  I’m super excited to have new music to share and perform live on tour.  There are a few fun gal-pal anthems, some rock and roll, and some good ol’ country music.  It’s me in a nutshell!”

If the first half of 2019 says anything about the trajectory of the invigorated singer-songwriter, fans and audiences should expect something like a locomotive freight train barreling down the tracks packed with everything we love about her as she steams towards the year-end.

Here is our Q&A with our Queen of Country, Miranda Lambert:

CG:  What are you most looking forward to on your upcoming tour?

ML: I have been off for a few months so I’m just ready to be on stage with the band doing what I love.  I have missed the fans and the music.  I have new music to play and a whole new set.  Plus, it’s an all-girls tour so there will be lots of girl power!

CG:  How do you stay comfortable when traveling between tour dates?

ML: I love my tour bus.  It’s my little home on wheels.  It’s very cozy and makes traveling so much easier.  And my horses are painted on the side of my bus, so I feel like I get to bring a piece of my farm on the road!

CG:  Onstage, the connection you have with your audiences is very strong.  How would you describe your connection with the fans?

ML: I feel like my fans and I have a lot in common.  We’re just people living life going through the ups and the downs.  I’m thankful I can write songs about it and we can all use it as medicine.  And I also use country music as a celebration with my fans. I get to host a party for them and I love that.

CG:  How do you balance your solo career with Pistol Annies and what do you love most about performing with Ashley and Angaleena?

ML: Ash and Ang inspire me so much as a writer.  They both have a unique style and push me to be better.  When we are together, it’s like a slumber party with songwriting.  They are my soul sisters.  Performing all these years alone, I kind of know what to expect but when the girls are out, they give me a different energy.

CG:  What up-and-coming female artists do you think we should keep our eyes on?

ML: Well the ones I have my eyes on are actually coming on tour with me.  Here are some of my favorites that you can see on the Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour: Maren Morris, Elle King, Ashley McBride, Tenille Townes, and Caylee Hammack.

CG:  What can you tell us about the selection of artists joining you on the tour?

ML:  They are all different but amazing artists.  I’m looking forward to the inspiration and fire these girls will bring to the stage.  They all have a message that should be shared with the world.

CG:  For the Idyllwind brand, are there any items or segments of the line that you are particularly fond or proud of?

ML: I absolutely love the jean jackets.  The “music is medicine” one is my favorite. It has a vintage feel.  I am very involved in the design of this brand, so it’s hard for me to pick a favorite.  I think we have something for everyone in this line.  I’m also a boot lover.  The boots are so comfortable. I can’t get enough!

CG:  What looks and styles can shoppers expect this fall from Idyllwind?

ML: The fall line has some beautiful deep colors and some southwest flair.  And the coziest sweaters!  We also have some badass boots I can’t wait for y’all to see.  We added a performance boot line for girls like me that get them pretty messy when hanging with the animals and riding horses.  But the more fashion-driven styles are wearable all day and all night.

CG:  What should COWGIRL readers know about your various brand extensions that they might not already know?

ML: I am very involved in everything that my name is attached to.  I always want to put out products that I love and believe in; quality and affordability are very important to me.

CG:  MuttNation.  What can people do to help the cause?

ML: So many things.  First get educated on spay/neuter to help with the growing problem of stray animals.  Volunteer at your local shelter to walk dogs and help them get a better quality of life.  Walking, playing, cleaning, etc.  Adopt, don’t shop.  If you are on the market for a dog or cat, please consider a shelter pet.  I have eight dogs and four cats.  All were homeless at one time.  They are amazing and bring me so much joy.  You can visit MuttNation.com to find out more info and donate.  We are doing great work!  We are happy to have people with the same passion join in!

CG:  New songs on the horizon: What are you working on, recording-wise?

ML: I worked through the spring to get a new record recorded and it’s done.  I’m super excited to have new music to share and perform live on tour.  There are a few fun gal-pal anthems, some rock and roll, and some good ol’ country music. It’s me in a nutshell!