Megan Moroney Moves On from Her ‘Degenerate’ Phase with Joy

Megan Moroney made headlines last night after diving into a swimming pool clad in a fluffy white gown. When asked about the unusual stunt, the 28-year-old country artist simply replied, “For the vibes,” laughing at the memory. The moment was part of the filming for her new music video for “Wedding Dress,” shot at a clifftop venue in Malibu, where winds reached nearly 30 miles per hour.

Moroney recounted the experience with humor, stating, “I cold plunge a lot, so it wasn’t as terrible as you’d think. The worst part was I almost suffocated when the dress went over my head. I was like, ‘This could be problematic.’ But then I calmed myself down and got the dress out of my face and didn’t die.”

“Wedding Dress” captures the conflicted emotions of a woman on the brink of marrying someone new but still haunted by thoughts of a past lover. The song exemplifies Moroney’s signature style, often described as country music’s reigning “emo cowgirl” thanks to her viral hit “Tennessee Orange,” which topped the charts in 2023.

Much of her latest album, “Cloud 9,” presents a more optimistic perspective. In the title track, Moroney expresses a newfound happiness, reflecting on her past. Songs like “Beautiful Things” and “6 Months Later” convey themes of resilience, while “Bells & Whistles,” a collaboration with Kacey Musgraves, humorously critiques a man who fails to appreciate their unique qualities. Additionally, Moroney partners with Ed Sheeran for the duet “I Only Miss You,” which, despite its catchy rhythm, carries a somber undertone.

Sheeran praised Moroney’s songwriting, noting that every track she releases captures specific emotions. He went on to mention that her first two albums have become staples in his home. Discussing her third LP over cold brews in a West Hollywood hotel, Moroney donned a pink sweatsuit that reflected the vibrant artwork of “Cloud 9.” When prompted about her fashion choice, she shrugged off the need for promotion, stating, “Oh, it’s just Skims… I don’t think they need any marketing help.”

When asked about her rapid pace of releasing albums, Moroney shared her passion for songwriting: “Why not? I write a lot, and I have to write when I’m feeling the things that I feel. I can’t wait six months to write about it—I’ll be over it by then.” She indicated that her record label is typically enthusiastic about her new music, often expressing surprise at her prolific output.

Reflecting on the themes of “Cloud 9,” Moroney noted a shift from the struggles depicted in her earlier works, saying, “There were no situationships in this album—I didn’t stay in something that was toxic. I think it’s also just me getting older and knowing what I’m doing now a little bit.”

Moraney also touched on her approach to fame in light of Kenny Chesney’s comments that she “couldn’t care less about being a celebrity.” She clarified, “My songs always come first… If celebrity was my goal, I feel like I’d be failing a little bit.”

On the topic of her evolution as a lyricist, she remarked, “Now people understand my personality… Sometimes authenticity beats poetry for me.” She elaborated on her writing process, seeking collaborators who support her creative concepts. With skilled songwriters like Jessie Jo Dillon and Luke Laird on her latest album, Moroney emphasized the importance of working with those who match her energy and vision.

The album includes the catchy phrase “What doesn’t kill you calls you six months later,” which Moroney cleverly revised from an earlier draft. She recalled her experience of being invited by Ed Sheeran to perform at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, illustrating their shared passion for songwriting.

Moroney expressed hopes that her duet with Sheeran will become a beloved classic, similar to the iconic collaborations of the past. Speaking of her recent concert experience with Kacey Musgraves, she chuckled at how their chance encounter became a memorable moment.

As she prepares for her upcoming tour, Moroney maintains a rigorous training regimen that includes running on the treadmill while singing and participating in challenging workouts. Sharing her thoughts on the demanding nature of arena shows, she plans to create moments of emotional intensity throughout the performance.

At 28, Moroney reflects on her youthful perceptions of turning 30, stating, “I love that our generation is bumping back the time in which it’s acceptable to get married and have children.”

Lastly, as a fan of Taylor Swift, Moroney expressed admiration for Swift’s latest work, noting how it inspires her own artistic journey. “Life of a Showgirl was TS12. What’s MM12 gonna be like?” she mused, hinting at her aspirations for the future.