Kacey Musgraves is building anticipation for her seventh studio album, offering fans a glimpse of new music and a playful marketing campaign centered around a “dry spell.” The Grammy-winning artist is expected to unveil her new single, “Dry Spell,” on Wednesday, March 11, setting the stage for a full album release later this year through Lost Highway Records.
The rollout for the upcoming project has been unconventional, featuring billboards erected in various cities posing the question, “dry spell? Call for a real decent time.” Those who dialed the number found on the billboards were greeted with a voicemail message from Musgraves herself, teasing a snippet of the unreleased track. The message directs callers to “press 1 for a real good time,” leading to a brief audio clip of the song.
Musgraves further fueled the excitement with a social media post featuring a short video clip of “Dry Spell” captioned simply, “you up?” This playful approach has quickly captured the attention of fans and music industry observers alike, generating buzz around the new album and its potential direction. The artist’s return to Lost Highway, the label she originally signed with in 2011 before its absorption by Mercury Records, signals a potential return to her roots.
The singer-songwriter’s decision to rejoin Lost Highway reflects a desire for creative freedom. As she told The Hollywood Reporter, she appreciates “being in a period of time where I’m not rushed by a deadline and have the space to mosey and poke around.” This sentiment suggests a deliberate and unhurried approach to crafting her next body of work.
Musgraves’ discography demonstrates a willingness to explore diverse sonic landscapes. From the traditional country sounds of Same Trailer Different Park and Pageant Material to the more experimental textures of Golden Hour and the emotionally raw Star Crossed, she has consistently defied genre expectations. Her most recent album, Deeper Well, released in March 2024, saw her “swing back in toward my center,” as she described it, while still maintaining a “modern edge.”
Deeper Well proved to be a commercial and critical success, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and claiming the No. 1 spot on the Country Albums chart. The album’s track, “The Architect,” earned Musgraves a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. The new album will follow in the wake of this success, building on the momentum of her previous work.
Beyond the new music, speculation has arisen regarding a possible collaboration with fellow Texas native Miranda Lambert. Expired Instagram stories on Musgraves’ account prompted rumors of a potential feud or partnership, though neither artist has publicly commented on the matter as of Monday, March 9.
As Musgraves prepares to release “Dry Spell” and unveil her seventh studio album, fans are eager to see what direction she will take next. Her commitment to artistic exploration and her willingness to embrace both tradition and innovation suggest a project that will be both familiar and surprising. The release of “Dry Spell” on Wednesday will undoubtedly provide further insight into the sound and themes of the upcoming album.
What comes next for Musgraves remains to be seen, but the carefully crafted rollout and the intriguing snippets of new music suggest a compelling chapter in her already remarkable career. Stay tuned for further updates as the album release date approaches.
What are your initial thoughts on the “Dry Spell” teasers? Share your predictions for the new album in the comments below!
