As the clock struck midnight on July 12, 2024, fans of country-pop and melancholy lyrics had a new project to obsess over: Am I Okay? released by country artist Megan Moroney. An overnight sensation, Moroney’s sophomore album is a perfect allusion to friendship, love, and the feeling of uncertainty all in one; however, her rising status as a household name only eight months later is starting to make fans wonder ‒ How did Moroney receive this prestige in the first place?
Contrary to what many fans have speculated, Moroney has certainly not built her career off of the basis of nepotism. Unlike pop singer Gracie Abrams and indie folk artist Maya Hawke, whose careers have been propelled by their parents’ prominence in the entertainment industry, Moroney’s parents were originally strangers to the country music scene.
“It is inspiring to me that she built her own career from the ground up,” said senior Chloe Nelson, a loyal Moroney listener. “She did not depend on her parental figures to get her the fame she has now.”
So, if Moroney’s fame was not predetermined, why is she so successful in the ever-expanding, cutthroat industry of country music? Well, personally, I believe that her success has been based on four factors: voice, virality, discography, and style.
Moroney was first discovered while attending the University of Georgia due to her raw, raspy voice, as unfiltered talents were something that the industry desperately began to need. Although somewhat rough, her voice makes you feel like you are living on a farm in southern Georgia, baking cookies with your grandmother while watching the autumn leaves fall through the kitchen window. She makes you feel at home, even if she is just singing a simple lyric.
While performing at one of her sorority’s events, her voice caught the attention of a prominent individual in the audience: country singer Chase Rice. According to Taste of Country magazine, Rice explained that his “jaw hit the floor” when he first heard Moroney sing. Furthermore, it is increasingly evident that her delicate, soulful tone combined with her voice’s natural warmthness are not solely noticed by professionals but by young fans as well.
“I would describe Moroney’s voice as very soothing with lots of depth and emotion,” said junior Megan Hayes, who will be attending Moroney’s concert this June. “Like many country artists, she has the ability to sing well; however, when listening to her songs, she is unique [and] uses her talent to convey emotion to the audience beautifully.”
After graduating with a degree in marketing and a music business certificate, as well as interning with the band Sugarland, Moroney moved to Nashville in 2020, the one place where all aspiring country musicians dream of becoming noticed. Making a living playing locally, she experienced a breakthrough a year later with the release of her first single: “Wonder.”
“I like her first single, and I wish she got more credit for it,” said Nelson, explaining that “most people who listen to her know her from her [later works].”
Without a doubt, “Wonder” made a splash in the headlines, as it made a surge on the list of Nashville’s “hottest” hits from up-and-coming artists. Although, as Nelson alluded to, “Wonder” eventually lost popularity. Moroney, however, did not have to worry for long, as one could say that no aspiring musician could make a greater first impression on the industry than she did in 2022.
2022 was her year. And, why was this her year you might ask? Two words: Tennessee. Orange.
Moroney’s second single, “Tennessee Orange,” is a warmhearted, yet somber anthem depicting her internal battle with conforming to familial tradition. The song portrays Moroney’s desire to challenge her family’s roots by pursuing a relationship with a man who attended the University of Tennessee, despite her parents’ deep connection to the University of Georgia.
“I enjoy the song ‘Tennessee Orange,’” said sophomore Karolene Whitley, an avid fan of country music. “I like the lyrics; they are very clever. I like how she tells the story of how she fell in love with someone from Tennessee, and the song has a nice vibe to it.”
Currently at 41 million streams on YouTube, the song surpassed a million streams within days of its release, making it Moroney’s first-ever number one single. It was also nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 57th annual Country Music Awards. Fans have speculated that the song is about country star Morgan Wallen; nevertheless, Moroney has revealed they were never “exclusive.”
“I think the idea of Morgan Wallen and Moroney in a relationship would not be too bad,” said Whitley. “If they made songs together, they would be pretty good, and I love Wallen’s music. Some of my favorite songs [of his] are ‘7 Summers,’ ‘More Than My Hometown,’ ‘Smile,’ and ‘Whiskey Glasses.’”
Around the time of the release of “Tennessee Orange,” Moroney also released her first-ever extended play, Pistol Made of Roses, in 2022 and her first-ever full length album, Lucky, in 2023. Pistol Made of Roses is known to be one of Moroney’s most-underrated works; however, it provides an insight into her artistry and storytelling, given the cold, compelling contrast that resides in the project’s name.
“My favorite [Megan Moroney] songs are ‘Hair Salon’ and ‘He Made Me Do It’ from Pistol Made of Roses,” said Nelson. “They are not popularized, and I do hear those songs all over TikTok.”
With the embodiment of metaphorical heartbreak in “Keep the Flowers” and the portrayal of self-acceptance in “I Love Me,” Pistol Made of Roses is simply exquisite; although, Lucky is held to a higher standard, as Moroney greatly incorporates her southern twang to deliver an album full of sass, confidence, and self-realization.
“Lucky was what first introduced me to her music; therefore, I really enjoy listening to it,” said Hayes. “Some of my favorite songs are ‘I’m Not Pretty,’ ‘Sleep On My Side,’ ‘Sad Songs for Sad People,’ and ‘Tennessee Orange.’ The album has songs with themes of both humor and emotion. Overall, it is a no-skip album for me.”
Moroney proved herself even more with the release of her latest album, Am I Okay?, earning her the nickname of “emo cowgirl.” Fan favorite songs include “Break It Right Back,” a heartfelt ballad that reflects on self-worth, “Mama I Lied,” a slow tempo tune that discusses ignorance and toxicity, and “Third Times the Charm,” an uplifting melody that sets the tone of the project.
“I do like Moroney’s new album,” said Whitley. “Some of my favorite songs off the album are ‘Am I Okay?,’ ‘Third Times the Charm,’ and ‘I’ll Be Fine.’”
Though mainly evolving through her discography, Moroney’s style and her radiant, feminine personality have set her apart from other artists in the world of country. Teenage girls and young women not only look to Moroney for inspiration on how to dress but also how to deal with dilemmas, as she provides a realistic outlook on life.
“Her outfits, boots, rhinestone guitar, and mic set her apart from other country music artists,” said Nelson. “Most of the time, country music is thought of as getting dirty, fishing, [and] doing stereotypical ‘country’ things, whereas Moroney brings out the prettier side of being country. She sings about relatable situations that most of my friends have gone through. She makes tough situations easier by giving songs to scream to.”
So, back to the original question, what is the real reason why Moroney is a household name? Well, it is because she is unapologetically herself. Her personality and career are symbols of trusting the unexpected and seizing every opportunity, even if it might end unfavorably. The true epitome of the “go with the flow”-type energy, Moroney represents more than just heartbreak and girlhood. She represents life.
Each of Megan Moroney’s projects, including singles, extended plays, and albums, is available to stream on all platforms. Or, consider visiting her website or reading her interview with Rolling Stone to dive deeper into her musical journey.
