Maren Morris Addresses Stepping Back From Country, Chart-Topping Country Songs Like 'Try That in a Small Town,' Taylor Swift & More

On pressure to succeed as a woman in country…

“The last few records, that’s always been in the back of my mind: Will this work in the country music universe,” Maren said of pressure to fit in with the industry and continue creating the way she’s been for years.

“Obviously, being one of the few women that had any success on country radio, everything you do is looked at under a microscope. You’re scrutinized more than your male peers, even when you’re doing well. So I’ve had to clear all of that out of my head this year and just write songs. A lot of the drama within the community, I’ve chosen to step outside out of it.”