Featuring

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson has cemented her reputation as an authentic storyteller and a must-see performer. The BBR Music Group artist, who has notched two No. 1 songs in the past year, has proven herself a mainstay at country radio and award shows since releasing 2021’s critically acclaimed Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. On her Broken Bow Records’ follow-up, Bell Bottom Country, the Louisiana native ups the ante.

Also produced by Jay Joyce, Bell Bottom Country is a natural continuation of her debut, but showcases Wilson’s immeasurable growth as an artist, songwriter and person. Still unapologetically saying what is on her mind, across the 14 tracks, Lainey reveals more of her multifaceted character and digs deeper to share what is in her soul.

“I've lived more life and I have a lot more to say,” the reigning Academy of Country Music New Female Artist of the Year admits. “I've gotten the courage to share more of myself without fear and even be a little more brazen with my delivery.”

The album takes its name from the phrase used to describe her music, style and overall vibe: “Bell Bottom Country,” meaning Country but with a flare. The flare being that special thing that makes someone unique—something Lainey has in spades. Bell Bottom County showcases her dynamism and makeup as a woman who is wise, fun, empowering, vulnerable, badass, unceremonious, tenacious and above all else, real. The music reflects her multidimensional character, offering elements of ‘70s Rock, Funk and Soul but remaining Country to the core.

Songs like rollicking album opener “Hillbilly Hippie” and its follow-up “Road Runner,” which details Wilson’s traveling gypsy lifestyle, complement the roots that keep calling her home in songs like “Me, You, and Jesus” and poignant story song “Those Boots (Deddy’s Song),” which details her lifelong bond with her father and desire for family life. Lainey’s personality shines through even on more raucous songs like “This One’s Gonna Cost Me” and “Hold My Halo” but no more than the very autobiographical “Live Off” and the force of a track “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”

Lead single “Heart Like A Truck” sets the stage for the new project. The semi-autobiographical tune highlights Wilson’s songwriting prowess with clever metaphors and vivid imagery. A song that demonstrates Wilson’s strong sense of self, “Heart Like A Truck” picks up where debut No. 1 and ACM Song of the Year “Things A Man Oughta Know” left off.

The single is a raw and real story song where Wilson speaks matter-of-factly about hardship and shares the importance of embracing the scratches, dents and bumps along the road of life. “It’s good as it is tough,” she croons on the introspective power ballad.

“You can go through things in life, and you don't have to let it tear you up completely. You can just let it mold you and who you're supposed to be and stand tall and be proud of that,” she says. “That's what makes you, you. There's only one of you and that's what gives you a story to tell at the end of the day. The shiny truck on the lot – you know that it can't say that.”

Wilson’s life experience has allowed her to come into her own as a confident woman who bares it all on Bell Bottom Country. Woven throughout the project is a quiet, underlying sense of empowerment, delivered through honesty and wisdom. Whether it be the sultry, sassy “Grease,” the confessional rebound track “Weak-End” or the contemplative and encouraging anthem “Atta Girl,” Lainey is unapologetic and generous with herself. Album standout “Watermelon Moonshine” shows just how far she’s come. That retrospective coming of age ballad about young love finds Lainey nostalgically reflecting on the dauntlessness of teenage feelings—and finding amusement in just how confidently unversed to the world she was at the time.

“Every single song on here I'm pulling back the layers and I'm showing people what it is that makes me, me. We all have seen some things and have a story— I’m sharing mine because I want to encourage people to lean into whatever it is that makes them, them. I also want to make people feel everything,” she says. “I want to make them laugh; I want to make people cry. I want to make them feel inspired to change the world or even just go get a drink, all of it.”

Wilson is taking her own advice and leaning in on the opportunities she has been presented. After having three songs featured in Yellowstone the singer landed a role in Season 5 of the hit television drama, where she’ll play a musician named Abby.

“A lot of these new opportunities that I'm taking, I've never done a day in my life,” she says of her new acting role. “I know that the Lord would not have blessed me with these opportunities if I was not supposed to take them.”

One of those recent opportunities includes joining Cole Swindell as duet partner on his song, “Never Say Never.” The collaboration was a two-week No. 1 and garnered Wilson her second chart topper. Wilson, who also is juggling a major tour with Jon Pardi in the midst of her burgeoning acting career, joins Luke Combs on the road later this year. Throughout each new opportunity, Wilson gives it her all.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards’ Best New Country Artist and three-time ACM Awards winner has come a long way since her first family trip to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry at age 9. In the decade since she made the move to Nashville, Wilson has maintained her goal to make people feel something within every song she writes and shares.

“I feel a lot of these accomplishments have been like a stamp of approval,” she says. “I've just been paying my dues and showing people that I'm here for the long run and I ain't going anywhere. … I made a vow to say what people are already thinking. We're just getting started.”