Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: GRAMMY NOMINEE Kacey Musgraves
Release Date: January 31, 2025
In this engaging episode of NBC's "Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist sits down with seven-time Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves to delve deep into her artistic journey, songwriting process, and the creation of her latest album, Deeper Well. Recorded in the iconic Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village, New York City, the conversation offers listeners an intimate look at the woman behind some of the most resonant songs in contemporary music.
1. Setting the Stage: Electric Lady Studios
Willie Geist introduces Kacey Musgraves in the storied Electric Lady Studios, a location steeped in musical history and once the creative haven of Jimi Hendrix. The studio's vibrant atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop for their unfiltered conversation.
Willie Geist [00:51]: "We are sitting in the very room where she wrote and recorded all the songs on her new album, Deeper Well."
Kacey shares her admiration for the studio's unique energy and its influence on her creativity.
Kacey Musgraves [03:10]: "This studio has such a storied past... There's a 20s flapper lady that scares a few people away."
2. Drawing Inspiration from New York City
The duo takes a stroll around Washington Square Park, where Kacey explains how the city's sights, sounds, and even smells fuel her songwriting. The sensory richness of New York City becomes a recurring theme in her creative process.
Kacey Musgraves [05:15]: "Just right outside on the sidewalk right there... You really do get all the smells of New York."
She recounts a playful challenge they undertook at a nearby Goodwill store, leading to the creation of one of her songs.
Kacey Musgraves [46:38]: "We decided to walk next door to Goodwill, give ourselves 10 minutes and $10 to spend on something we had to wear. I ended up wearing a little white cotton dress and recorded the song Heaven Is."
3. The Heart of Songwriting: Micro Inspirations
Kacey emphasizes the importance of everyday moments in her songwriting, highlighting how small, seemingly insignificant experiences shape her music.
Kacey Musgraves [05:24]: "For me, it's always the micro, the small, everyday moments... it's just really the human experience that inspires me."
She details her organic songwriting process, favoring handwritten notes over digital distractions.
Kacey Musgraves [06:14]: "Whenever I'm writing, I like paper and a pen. There's something about physically putting the pen on the paper that keeps it tactile and authentic."
4. Crafting "Deeper Well": Themes and Reflections
"Deeper Well" represents a more grounded and introspective phase in Kacey's career. She explores themes of self-growth, emotional resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.
Kacey Musgraves [09:01]: "Deeper Well feels very grounded. I'm 35 and feel like I know myself better... it's like observations on life and human emotion."
The title track embodies her mission to eliminate negativity and embrace personal growth.
Kacey Musgraves [09:56]: "Ruthlessly removing resistance to growth... casting aside energy that drains you."
5. Exploring Spirituality Through Music
One of the standout tracks, "The Architect," delves into profound questions about faith and existence. Inspired by personal tragedies and philosophical inquiries, Kacey collaborates with co-writers to navigate these deep waters.
Kacey Musgraves [11:45]: "We discussed if there's something larger at play, like a force or God, and why so much suffering exists."
She poignantly relates the song to the loss of a dear friend, adding a layer of emotional depth.
Kacey Musgraves [13:44]: "Steve Marklin, a big part of my career early on, had his house burn down... it's a big question about faith."
6. Overcoming Industry Challenges: Authenticity vs. Commercialism
Kacey reflects on her early career struggles in Nashville, where she resisted conforming to traditional country music norms. Her courage to stay true to her artistic vision eventually led to groundbreaking success.
Kacey Musgraves [38:03]: "When I said I want 'Merry Go Round' to be my first single... I knew if it didn't work, I wouldn't have compromised myself."
Her first album's critical acclaim and Grammy win validated her non-conformist approach, encouraging her to continue forging her unique path.
Kacey Musgraves [40:37]: "You can trust yourself. You were right about that."
7. Personal Growth and Life Changes
Beyond music, Kacey shares glimpses into her personal life, including the impact of her grandmother, her experiences touring, and the balance between her quiet home life and public persona.
Kacey Musgraves [55:13]: "My grandma was my original booking agent... she and my grandpa made so many things possible for us."
She candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining personal stories in her music and how releasing songs to the public adds new dimensions to her work.
Kacey Musgraves [44:35]: "Things feel different... it got a lot busier. It was definitely a total life changer."
8. Future Endeavors and Inspirations
As "Deeper Well" prepares for its March 15th release, Kacey muses about potential future projects and her enduring love for Nashville's community.
Kacey Musgraves [49:07]: "I love Nashville. The community is irreplaceable... you can't make old friends."
Her tour plans beginning in April promise to bring her latest work to fans across the United States.
Willie Geist [56:54]: "Tickets go on sale soon for her world tour beginning in April, swinging through the United States starting in September."
Conclusion: A Journey of Authenticity and Artistic Freedom
Kacey Musgraves' conversation with Willie Geist offers a profound look into her dedication to authenticity, her lyrical depth, and her unwavering commitment to her artistic vision. From the historic halls of Electric Lady Studios to the bustling streets of New York City, Kacey's journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself in the face of industry pressures.
Kacey Musgraves [54:18]: "You poke authority and you don't fit the conventional. You know what country's always supposed to be about."
As "Deeper Well" approaches its release, fans can anticipate a collection of songs that continue to challenge, inspire, and resonate on multiple levels, embodying Kacey's evolution as one of today's most compelling songwriters.
This summary captures the essence of Kacey Musgraves' insightful conversation on the Sunday Sitdown Podcast, highlighting key discussions, personal anecdotes, and her artistic philosophy.