CNN –
Maren Morris explains why she decided to distance herself from country music as she continued to develop as a singer.
In a new episode of the Popcast (Deluxe) podcast, Morris said she “can’t do this circus anymore – I feel like I have to take in people’s bad behavior, explain it and laugh about it.”
“I just couldn’t do that anymore, especially after 2020,” Morris added. “I’ve changed. A lot has changed about me this year.”
During her third acceptance speech at the 2020 Country Music Awards, Morris made headlines by recognizing Black female country artists. This year she also became a mother.
On the podcast, the singer said that country music culture can sometimes feel like an “indoctrination” and that one way to deal with speaking up or speaking out against something is: “Stay in line, never question the way we do things because you’re lucky to even be in the door.”
Morris, who has been outspoken against racism and transphobia, said she felt ostracized by certain country music contemporaries who had previously offered her “slots on their tours.” (Morris had a very public argument with Jason Aldean over transgender issues and also criticized Morgan Wallen for his racial slur.)
Last month, Morris released a new EP titled “The Bridge” with two songs that expressed major criticism of country music culture.
One of these tracks was produced by pop impresario Jack Antonoff, with whom Morris is working on a new record.