Natalie Maines’ First Solo Album Due in May; what can we expect?

Despite enjoying success with them for nearly two decades, Natalie Maines has partially parted ways with the Dixie Chicks, and is now focusing on her own solo career. Telling Howard Stern back in January that “country fans have disappointed” her and that she “no longer trusts country music,” she’s now exploring music that she says she’s always felt more comfortable with — straight up rock n roll.

Her latest album is due out on May 7 and its title is a role that Maines has always been comfortable with — Mother. The record most likely isn’t named after that role however, but rather her take on Pink Floyd’s “Mother,” one of many covers that is on the album. Eddie Vedders’ “Without You” and Jeff Buckley’s “Lover You Should’ve Come Over” also make it very clear that Maines is now much more rock than country. And so did that rocker pompadour she rocked at the SXSW festival, where she debuted the album.

The Dixie Chicks are lined up for a few festivals this summer, including Bluesfest in Ottawa, and Craven in Saskatchewan. But as to whether or not she’ll ever go back on a full-time basis, Maines says,

“I like what the three of us had together. I did what was required. It felt like my job. I felt like a businesswoman in the industry I was in. I feel like I accepted that and waved that country flag, but always felt like I was holding onto who I was. The cat just feels out of the bag now. I’m not sure I can go back to that.”

Categorized in: Concerts