Country-pop singer-songwriter Maren Morris made a tour stop at The Pinnacle on Sept. 25 and captivated her audience with her many country radio standards and more pop-leaning songs from her new album “D R E A M S I C L E.” Throughout her performance, Morris’s focus to perfecting her onstage craft to displaying the personal side of her music made this show an unforgettable one.
Morris moved to Nashville in her early 20s, where she began as a Music Row songwriter before becoming a country music sensation in her own right. Some of her earliest tracks became her most notable, including “My Church,” “GIRL” and “The Bones.” Her recent music has leaned more towards a pop sound, a genre that produced her biggest hit to date: “The Middle,” with Zedd and Grey.
Prior to Morris taking the stage, Jade LeMac, whose music reflects a bedroom-pop sound, opened the show. LeMac spoke to the audience about her songs, including the person who inspired her song “Pink Balloon” appearing in the audience and the release of her new song “Sleeping with the Lights On” at midnight that night.
(Alex Brodeur)
After LeMac concluded her performance, Morris made her grand entrance, performing her song “cry in the car” accompanied by flashing lights. Fans cheered loudly and sang along to the 80s-inspired tune as Morris eventually made her way to the front of the stage to sing directly with her audience.
One of the qualities of Morris’s performance that stood out was her direct conversations and connections with her audience. In comparison to previous performances at Bridgestone Arena, Morris had the ability to speak directly to her audience and connect with them on a more personal level. Morris spoke about her many years in Nashville, first as a songwriter who loved collaborating with fellow writers and then as a country music sensation.
“I have told a lot of stories in this town,” Morris said. “From Belcourt Taps to this stage [at The Pinnacle].”
Morris spoke candidly with her audience about a number of topics related to her own songs. Before playing “this is how a woman leaves,” Morris spoke about how happy she feels knowing that her music means so much to her listeners and how it serves a purpose during difficult times. She continued by speaking about her own tough past year.
One such topic came right before her song “bed no breakfast,” when she discussed how much she loved being home in Nashville, with the notable exception of one part: the dating scene.
“The dating part is a s—show!,” Morris said.
When my friends ask me why I listen to the artist who is most prominently known for making “The Middle,” I will direct them to this article. Moments of connecting with and showing her love, respect and admiration to her audience prove that Morris is one of those artists who shines brightly doing what she loves. It’s rare to find a musician who is talented, relatable and supportive all at once, but Maren Morris seems to do the impossible.
