Maren Morris Doesn’t See Performing in Smaller Venues as a ‘Failure’: ‘It’s Just the Way the World Has Changed’

“Now that I’m doing it my way, I think it still shocks me that people still show up,” the country star told ‘Rolling Stone’ in a new interview

NEED TO KNOW

• Maren Morris tells Rolling Stone downsizing concerts isn’t a failure and values connecting with her dedicated fans
• She feels at peace with her career choices despite challenges from being outspoken in the country music industry
• Morris recently celebrated her debut album’s 10th anniversary with a sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium

Maren Morris enjoys performing for fans in any venue.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the Grammy-winning “My Church” singer-songwriter, 36, opened up about how the size of her concerts has changed since she’s become outspoken politically and publicly criticized elements of the country music business.

“I never have a moment of, ‘Gosh, I would be in a much different place, a better place career-wise, if I had just played the game and kept my mouth shut and kissed the proverbial ring,’” says Morris. “I feel a little bit more at peace and vindicated, because I’ve not changed my tune.”

These days, the “Girl” artist’s fanbase is largely made up of dedicated fans who’ve stuck by her side rather than casual country concertgoers. In turn, the sizes of Morris’ concerts are a bit smaller — but she’s okay with that.

“There’s a lot of pride probably with artists that don’t want to [downsize their concerts],” said Morris. “It’s almost like if you’ve graduated to arenas or stadiums and then you go to a lower cap, there’s a pridefulness of, ‘Well, that’s a failure.’ But it’s not.”

“It sometimes has nothing to do with you, it’s just the way the world has changed,” added the star. “To still give your fans the experience of seeing you and giving them the escape, I think you can bite the bullet and play the smaller venue.”

Several artists have canceled tours this year, with many fans speculating unsold tickets as the reason. Lily Allen recently downsized many of her U.S. tour venues from arenas to theaters, while Kiefer Sutherland admitted “very low ticket sales” caused his since-canceled shows to not move forward.

Morris feels grateful to still have many supporters. “I still just sometimes walk out and wonder, ‘How are all these people here?’” she told Rolling Stone. “And it’s not to diminish my work or my presence.”

She added, “I’ve just been taught by the book and from a young age, that there’s only one way to do something. Now that I’m doing it my way, I think it still shocks me that people still show up.”

The “80s Mercedes” musician recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of her debut album Hero with a sold-out concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Saturday, Aug. 15.

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