Miranda Lambert Peaking Commercially, Critically

Lambert credits her recent success to trying new things, like her songwriting partnership with Natalie Hemby. The two knew each other before, but had never written a song together.

“When we did it was magical,” Lambert said. “We wrote seven songs in just two, three days. I definitely think writing with different writers than I have in the past has really helped me reinvent myself.”

Revolution was named by many critics as one of the best CDs of 2009. She could win her first Grammy with a win in the best female country performance category for the cut “Dead Flowers.” Lambert took time out recently to talk about her career trajectory, being nominated for Grammys and more.

AP: Revolution earned you a lot of praise for being something of an outsider despite being signed at a major label. Do you consider your music “outlaw” country?

Lambert: I don’t know what movement I’m part of but I guess you would classify me as outlaw more than mainstream. But you know mainstream has really accepted me. It took a little bit longer on some things, like radio and stuff, but now everybody’s on board. My hope is that I’m kicking open doors for other artists that are left of center because I think that’s cool and I think we need more of that just to keep it diverse, to keep it interesting.

AP: Are you ever surprised by how much success you’ve had in just a few years?

Lambert: I definitely have to take a step back sometimes and say, “Gosh, I’ve done a lot of things in a short time.” I’ve done this for five years and two years before that I was on the road in Texas. It’s really been a lot of work but I feel like it’s so paid off. I guess what surprises me the most is it’s still on an uphill. I’m still building this big career, and hopefully long career, trying to lay the foundation down for longevity. You know I do think I deserve it because I’ve worked hard but sometimes I just go, “Oh, wow, I’m really blessed” because some people work for 10 years and don’t achieve half of what I’ve achieved.

AP: Do you feel you’re a better songwriter or performer?

Lambert: I used to think songwriting but I’ve really worked hard on just learning my skills for live performances. I really take a lot of pride in being really entertaining, so I don’t think I could have one without the other because writing the songs and getting to perform them live is what I got into this business for.

AP: Your songs depict a lifestyle full of excitement and drama. Is that a reflection of your life?

Lambert: It’s a reflection of my life, but it’s also enhanced, because I can kind of live in a fantasy world through music but a lot of me comes out in that, if that makes sense.

AP: You’ve managed both critical acclaim and sales success with this album. Which is more important to you?

Lambert: I really want the critical acclaim that people cherish because when critics love you it’s really a compliment, but the bottom line is without the fans we don’t have a job. So I just always hope that I can fill out that world between the fans loving it and the critics loving it, and so far it’s worked.

Click here for Miranda Lambert’s Web site.