“I was shocked to see my name up there,” the Nashville-based nation singer-songwriter Margo Price tells Pitchfork over the cellphone, hours after receiving a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, her first Grammy nomination. The nod arrives within the wake of her 2017 sophomore album, All American Made, an explosive and exacting set about life in America, taking direct purpose on the patriarchy and methods arrange towards ladies and dealing class individuals.
Since signing to Jack White’s Third Man Records and releasing her debut Midwest Farmer’s Daughter in 2016, Price has labored at a ceaseless tempo. Speaking on the cellphone from Los Angeles, she casually notes that she’s already deep into the method of constructing her upcoming third album. With a gradual lineup of live gigs forward—and, to not point out, a brand new child on the way in which (“I have been hiding something behind my guitar for a few months now,” she announced throughout a present at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena final month)—the inquisitive, fiercely unbiased songwriter took a second to replicate.
Pitchfork: Congratulations on the nomination! Where have been you while you heard the information?
Margo Price: I used to be laying in mattress, attempting to get some good sleep. My cellphone began blowing up at 5:30 a.m… It was actually exhausting to return to mattress after that! [laughs] I’ve watched the Grammys since I used to be a child. I’ve dreamed about being there so long as I can bear in mind. I used to be pinching myself.
You have been nominated for “Best New Artist.” What does that imply to you?
MP: It’s a cliché, however I’m simply honored to be nominated. I feel, and proper me if I’m improper, I may be the one indie artist in that class. So I may be “new” as a result of I’m nonetheless on a smaller label. I don’t know, however I’ll take it.
Was it notably rewarding to be acknowledged for such a staunchly political nation album?
MP: For certain. I do know that the album didn’t impress all people. I’m certain it made different organizations shrink back from me. So it actually means quite a bit that the Recording Academy is paying consideration and digging what I’m doing.
You’re nominated amongst lots of pals and collaborators: John Prine, Brandi Carlile…
MP: Yeah, I feel that’s big. I’ve been texting with [Carlile] all morning. It’s actually surreal. I’m tremendous happy with her. She’s been working for thus lengthy and put out so many data. It provides me hope, too.
I do know you’re a big fan of Kendrick Lamar, who led the nominations this 12 months.
MP: He’s so badass. I like his work.
What different albums have you ever been into?
MP: I’ve to be sincere, I’ve listened to Cardi B’s album fairly a bit. [laughs] Also, Father John Misty God’s Favorite Customer. I additionally actually like Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer; Brian Wilson was concerned in that. It’s only a good file. And then, Brent Cobb, Leon Bridges, the Milk Carton Kids… So a lot expertise this 12 months.
After Recording Academy President Neil Portnow’s feedback about final 12 months’s male-dominated ceremony, saying ladies wanted to “step up,” all of this 12 months’s main classes have been led by ladies. Do you’re feeling like this represents a shift within the business?
MP: Yeah, that was… a reasonably off-putting remark. So this 12 months, it was nice to see extra feminine nominations to even the enjoying discipline. I feel different organizations ought to take be aware from that—not solely having each women and men nominated but in addition being racially numerous. There’s lots of organizations which can be very white.
Are you planning to attend the ceremony?
MP: I feel I’ll, although I’ll be perhaps six months pregnant. [laughs] But I’m in good firm with that. Watching Beyoncé carry out while she was expecting was actually highly effective.
In your profession, you’ve labored at a prolific tempo. Does a second like this make you wish to look again in any respect you’ve completed?
MP: Artistically, I’m all the time attempting to look ahead and never get caught on something, however I’m actually happy with All American Made and its reception. This is unquestionably a cheerful time in my life. It’s been an excellent day.
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