The sun is setting over endless rows of gas pumps on a windy January night in Crossville, Tennessee.
Six massive fluorescent letters and a cartoon beaver in a red cap illuminate our way.
Weve arrived at that roadway mecca common to the Southern U.S.: Buc-ees.
Its my first time at a Buc-ees, and Im getting the Megan Moroney tour.
Where should I take you first?
she asks, scanning about.
The home sections over here, but Im going to save that for later.
Its not long before a mom in a hoodie and sweats approaches Moroney.
Excuse me, she says sheepishly.
I dont mean to be a pain, but my daughter wanted me to ask, Are you Megan?
Tell her to come on over.
The girl hugs Moroney before posing for a photo.
Once the first brave fan says hello, other shoppers follow suit.
But Buc-ees is near and dear to the rising stars heart.
Our only weapon on the bus, she jokes.)
The house-on-wheels is the nicest Moroneys ever gotten.
(She ended up signing to Sony Music Nashville/Columbia.)
Moroney has built her profile as a prolific songwriter with a rough-hewn voice reminiscent of early Miley Cyrus.
She cares what her music means to people and making sure they get the best of everything she does.
Shes brave as fuck, says Sugarlands Kristian Bush, Moroneys go-to producer, of her songwriting.
I cant believe she puts some of these things in her songs.
Moroneys appeal isnt just emotion and lyrics, however: Aesthetically, shes a Southern-belle Barbie.
This is who I am.
I have worked my ass off, she says.
Moroney hasnt been back to SkyHouse in years.
he says when we get to the ninth floor.
We go way, way back.
This is who I am.
if [looks] are the barrier that makes you not listen, then… Moroney shrugs.
The Moroney that Bob the Doorman first met was a lifestyle influencer who wanted to make music.
She was pushing everything from beauty products to Bud Light bottles to a following of more than 60,000.
Moroney grew up in Douglasville, Georgia, 20 miles outside of Atlanta.
(It was a Taylor, and she still has it.)
I was like, the guitar fits here, she says, pointing to her good leg.
I had nothing else to do.
Music was always playing in the Moroney household.
He was passionate about the stories and lyrics, she says.
Her dad put her onto the Eagles, James Taylor, and Jackson Browne.
Looking back, maybe she thought shed be like her dad, balancing a pastime with a real job.
But a career in music?
I dont think it ever clicked in my head that this would be possible, she says.
In 2016, Moroney enrolled at UGA planning to become an accountant, like her mom.
It was like $200, Moroney says.
Thats going to get me far!
Moroney ended up winning the crown, thanks to her rendition of Deana Carters Strawberry Wine.
It was terrifying and so out of my comfort zone, she says of the pageant.
I think it was kind of rigged I kissed one of the judges.
In the crowd that night was country singer Chase Rice, who approached her after the show.
Youre actually pretty good, she remembers Rice telling her.
What are you doing next month?
I play at the Georgia Theatre.
Shed never even tried to write before.
She hasnt put the pen down since.
They say you get the bug, she says.
And the bug was got.
With that adrenaline rush still fresh, Moroney changed the direction of her studies.
She carried herself with quiet confidence and never seemed like anybodys helpless Bo-Peep, Barbe says.
In between classes, Moroney would send him snippets of songs she wrote.
The songs connected on an emotional level instantly, he recalls.
Ive had dads say my songs helped them feel closer to their daughters.
I love writing songs that mean shit.
Eventually, Moroney played Kristian some of her music.
you’re free to just break it right in front of someones face.
He sent no headshot or description of Moroney, just the music.
Why will he not tell me?
Bush set up a Zoom call for Moroney and Griffith to finally meet.
Griffith was wowed by the songwriters creative vision.
And I go, Youre probably right.
He let me fall in love with the songs and the voice before I saw the image.
Its the sort of thing Moroney still hears today.
For the next two years, Moroney kept grinding, writing songs with partners Griffith suggested.
Its one of those things where of course theyre going to wonder.
She prefers to keep the details of her relationship with Wallen to herself.
(Rolling Stoneranked itthe Number One country album of 2023.)
Ive had dads cry at meet-and-greets and say that theyre so grateful for my music.
If they didnt have my songs, they wouldnt feel as close to their daughters, Moroney says.
Thats why I love writing songs that mean shit.
He says he wishes he had had that emotional support when Sugarland took off.
He wouldnt take no for an answer, says Moroney, who finally agreed to find one.
Therapy can come in handy when dealing with the collateral effects of stardom.
Manychanneled their frustrationby pivoting their allegiance to Moroney.
Moroney was surprised by her sudden inclusion in the conversation.
Im like, Why am I getting brought into this?
Im happy that they relate to my music … [but] Im never happy tearing down another woman.
I come from a really big family, with each side of the [political] spectrum.
And Ive found that you cant change anyones mind, she says.
The best thing I can do is love them.
Thats what I want to give to my fans, too.
My music is there so hopefully they can find comfort.
The genre borders around country music are expanding, as highlighted by Beyonces Grammy-winningCowboy Carter.
If the storytelling is there, and it feels authentic, then theres room for you.
Also expanding: Moroneys circle of besties outside of the genre.
Olivia Rodrigo checked in to see how Moroney is doing over the holidays.
She was like, Are you getting rest?
Moroney says, still in awe.
Im like, What is life?
In October, Moroney joined Tate McRaeonstage in Nashvilleafter they became friends online.
She got me blue roses and wrote me a really sweet note, she says.
Its in my room at home.
Moroney is here for Beyonces Cowboy Carter: Shes bringing people to country music.
And she has Kenny Chesney, whos become Moroneys musical godfather.
Before they went on the road last year, he invited her to breakfast.
The transition between albums was quick but clear.
Its lead single, No Caller ID, was a smoky slow-burner about late-night calls from an old flame.
She channelsFearless-era Taylor Swift on Noah, about a two-date romance.
This time, they shared dressing rooms.
She was like, Thanks for all the nice things you always say about me, Moroney says.
After she won her award, Moroney felt Lamberts hand on her arm congratulating her backstage.
I grew up listening to powerful women who had something meaningful to say.
Its important to keep that going and support each other, Lambert tellsRolling Stone.
Megan knows exactly who she is.
ITS A CHILLY FRIDAY in Crossville, though the snow from a recent storm has nearly all melted.
Thats what this trip feels like, Moroney says of the writing retreat.
And Buc-ee is the fifth avenger.
She accompanies herself on guitar, sometimes pausing to scroll through the lyrics on her phone.
No one outside of this house has heard them before.
Were one song in, and Harrington is already in full-on waterworks.
A lot of girls suffer in silence.
And you suffer publicly, she says to Moroney, blowing her nose and drying her eyes.
Thats a good sign, I learn.
I knew that the bones of that song were good and worth fighting for, she says.
The song is meant to be a duet, and Moroney deepens her voice to mimic a male partner.
Maybe he would feel that way about Hailey.
I know he does, Moroney says with a sigh.
We wrote the crap out of these songs, Moroney adds.
We exerted all of our options on every verse, every word.
The Buc-ee Avengers agree.
The songs theyve written on this trip are much less emo than what Moroney is used to.
Whats there to not love?
Im the whole package, she sings on it.)
Perhaps its because shes in a different headspace this time.
I feel like Ive always had bad taste in men, she says.
Does she want to find love eventually?
She just swooped him up!
I love that for her.
Go get you a country boy, girl!
But Moroney has high standards for any potential matches.
Instagram DMs are a no-go, and asking for her Snapchat is a big ick.
Im too old for that!
I didnt even know that was a thing!
says Moroney of the image search.
Was Green on the trip?
He was individually on his vacation with his friends, she says.
St. Barts is a popular place!
So it was a coincidence?
Did you guys get to hang out?
So it was fun.
Just because were hanging out doesnt mean were romantically dating.
You know what I mean?
Moroney isnt bothered by fans being interested in her personal life.
In fact, she takes it as a compliment.
I dont blame them for doing some FBI research, she says.
The songs you heard are very country, so no time soon is that happening!
Moroney smiles, and gives her best teenaged Justin Bieber impression: Never sayneverrrr.
Production Credits
Styling byLINDSEY DUPUISatFORWARD ARTISTS.
Makeup byJESSICA CANDAGEatFORWARD ARTISTSusingCHARLOTTE TILBURY.
Hair colorist:SAMUEL ALLEN.
Nails byNATALIE MINERVAatFORWARD ARTISTS.
Produced byPATRICIA BILOTTIatPBNY PRODUCTIONS.
Production manager:STEFANIE BOCKENSTETTE.
Set design byROMAIN GOUDINOUXatBRYANT ARTISTS.
Cinematographer:JAY SWUEN.
First assistant camera:HANNAH LEE.
Second assistant camera and data manager:MICHELLE SUH.
Gaffer:GABE SANDOVAL.
Key grip:EDGAR R. ARAGON.
Field audio:CHUCK HENDY.
Photographic assistance:KENNY CASTROandJEREMY ERIC SINCLAIR.
Digital technician:ARON NORMAN.
Styling assistance:RYANN REDMAN.
Production assistance:DANIEL JACOBSON.
Set-design assistance:JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Postproduction:SPENCER PATZMANatCOSM FILMS.
Colorist:CAMERON MARYGOLD.Photo retouching:PICTUREHOUSE + THE SMALLDARKROOM.
Studio:SMASHBOX STUDIOS.
