The Highwomen Update: Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris + Amanda Shires Get to Work
In early January, Amanda Shires teased a collaborative project by a group of female artists, dubbed the Highwomen. Shires later said that she let the news slip a bit too soon -- but judging from social media, the project is full steam ahead.
In an interview with Louisville, Ky., radio station WFPK, Shires shared that the Highwomen project came together after she shared the name -- a nod to the country supergroup the Highwaymen, comprised of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash -- and idea with longtime friend Brandi Carlile. "She was like, 'I love that idea!' and I was like, 'I want you to be in it. And I want you to help me run this, 'cause I'm terrible at business and stuff, and my voice isn't as great as yours,'" Shires recalled.
According to Shires, she and Carlile had written two songs together for the project, and she was also writing music for it with Jim Lauderdale. She indicated during the interview that the Highwomen are aiming to "play more country music," and to involve a wide range of special guests.
Shires said at the time that she and Carlile had asked Margo Price to join them, "and she said yeah," making the Highwomen a trio; however, Shires later admitted that she "jumped the gun" on announcing Price's involvement. "Brandi and I do have something in the works," she shared on Twitter, "and we will announce the exact details when it comes to fruition."
Whether or not Price is involved remains to be seen -- but Maren Morris certainly is. On Tuesday (March 5), Carlile shared a photo of Morris, Shires and herself together, capturing it "Highwomen." Shires, meanwhile, shared a snap of Carlile and herself -- or their feet, anyway -- seated at a piano, while Shires' husband, Jason Isbell, posted a photo of Carlile, Morris and Shires with producer Dave Cobb, along with the caption "Fun at work."
"It’s not what you think ..... but we all need it," writes Carlile under another Instagram photo of a "Highwomen" tattoo on the back of her neck.
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