The Hill Country is no stranger to big musical talent: Kevin Fowler, Terri Hendrix and, of course, Willie Nelson have all made their lasting mark on music at large. This storied run of artists doesn't just end with the past; singer-songwriter Lainey Wright is paving the way for a new generation of Hill Country musicians.
Wright has had quite the busy year so far, releasing her second full-length album, "'Til We Go Home", in April and touring through Norway in February and March.
"Being able to tour and share the songs with somebody, I feel like it almost holds me more accountable to make sure I'm really putting as much in to all the songs that I can and into the sets that I can because I want this presentation to be good."
Wright, 24, grew up in Llano and moved to Austin in 2009 to attend the University of Texas at Austin. After a year in school, she decided to devote more time to music and currently works as a nanny in addition to playing shows.
The transition from a small town to the Live Music Capital of the World was a seminal moment for Wright and her music.
"There was a lot I was learning that helped direct my writing in that time," Wright said. "You learn a lot when you leave what you've known for your whole life, even if it doesn't seem like a drastic change."
Look no further than Wright's catalogue to see this growth in action. Since 2011, Wright has released two EPs and two full-length albums full of thoughtful storytelling and soul-searching.
"I was feeling like I was this completely known person in one place and now I'm completely unknown," Wright said. "It was kind of freeing - it allowed me to take more risks in writing because it was like nothing can really hurt me at this point. I felt more bold to try things."
Her recent European tour was in conjunction with Star of Hope Norway, a Christian organization that provides education and healthcare to children around the world.
"I think as an artist, it's easy to be all about the art, internal, faced-in, but I've always really respected people I've seen that are amazing artists but they also use this platform to share about something they really believe in."
She has a voice that sounds amazing whether she's backed up by a full band or just her guitar. Her songwriting melds country and folk sensibilities into a soulful creation.
The native Texan follows the great Hill Country tradition of songwriting with nothing but your voice, your guitar and your heart. She cites artists such as Patty Griffin and Jon Foreman as great influencers and said she admires artists that evolve their sound and welcome experimentation.
Lainey grew up singing in church and began writing songs with her mother at the age of 16. Soon after, she began playing music with friends and learned to play guitar.
"We started playing and I think I realized I needed something in my hands," Wright said. "Both my brothers play guitar, so I always wanted to learn, but didn't have the boost to do it until then."
After she began writing songs, Wright played songwriter showcases at FUEL, a local coffee shop in Llano. Getting to play with artists from different generations, hometowns and points of view was a profound moment for the musician.
"We were all so different but we're all here because we love to write songs," Wright said. "I was really inspired by that."
Not one to be stagnant, Wright has been focusing on trying new sounds and expanding her musical family in Austin.
"I'm really excited," Wright said with a smile. "I'm trying to figure out what the next season of this will look like."
For More Information:
www.laineywright.com
Twitter & Instagram: @laineymusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/laineymusic
iTunes: www.itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lainey-wright/id431686253
