If you were lucky enough to catch Morgan Wade’s set at this year's Stagecoach Festival like I was, you'll need to add Psychopath to your collection like, now.
It's not every day that a debut album propels an artist to the summit of Rolling Stone's Best Country Albums list. However, Morgan Wade isn't just any artist. Her scorchingly honest and unfiltered 2021 release, Reckless, not only broke down doors for her, but also established her as a one-of-a-kind songwriter. Now, with her latest effort Psychopath, Wade is poised to catapult even further into the spotlight.
Speaking about Psychopath, Wade asserts, "Regardless of what people say about it, I'm proud because I feel like it truly represents where I am with my sophomore album. Authenticity is my only option, and my emotions guide my music. Right now, I'm deeply connected to the music."
This remarkable 13-track album is a collaborative effort that brings together an impressive lineup of talents, from a-list songwriters to top notch studio musicians. Wade's long-time producer and song whisperer, Sadler Vaden, adds his touch, shaping the album's direction. Psychopath serves as a canvas for Wade to peel back the layers of her psyche, looking back on her emotional journey since the release of Reckless, all rendered in her starkly autobiographical style.
Wade's writing really shines on the title track, which was already conceived weeks before Reckless even made its debut. It's a candid exploration of being so consumed by someone that everything before seems insignificant. Wade elaborates, "It's about being so engrossed in someone, it's like, 'What the hell was I doing before I met you? I don't even fucking know!' Don't judge the song by its title; it's a love song in disguise. I kinda love that."
Morgan Wade has been a road warrior throughout the early months of 2023, headlining her No Signs Of Slowing Down tour which achieved remarkable success; selling out 35 shows and moving over 40,000 tickets; and of course, blowing minds at the aforementioned Stagecoach 2023. Adding to her packed schedule, Wade is featured on Diplo's new album Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 – Swamp Savant, and she's set to join Turnpike Troubadours and Eric Church for select dates throughout the summer and fall.
Hailing from Virginia, Wade has broken free from the pack to emerge as one of country music's most captivating new voices. Her distinct blend of raw, unapologetic vocals adorned with a hint of twang, combined with her uncanny ability to craft poignant and authentic narratives, has set her apart. With an onstage vulnerability that bridges the gap between artist and fan, Wade has etched her mark not just in the country music realm but also across the broader music landscape. Her accolades include nominations for ACM New Female Artist of the Year, Americana Music Association Emerging Act of the Year, and CMT Breakthrough Female Video of the Year.