Unstoppable, raw, and vulnerable. Just three words to describe singer-songwriter and all around bad-ass, Morgan Wade. Having been immersed in music since she was a young child, Morgan has put in the work to develop her talent and her sound and it shows. Her debut album with Sony Music in 2021, Reckless reached No. 8 on the Billboard’s folk albums chart, coming a long way from her self-released album, Puppets with My Heart, in 2018 that she recorded with a band she found on Craigslist as a 19 year old heartbroken college student.
Early Career: A Star in the Making
Born in Floyd, Virginia, Wade was immersed in the historic sound of country and bluegrass music from a young age. She told Guitar World “I grew up listening to a lot of Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash. I grew up with my grandparents, so that’s how I listened to the older generation’s music.” Guitar World Interview (2024). She also shared with Wonderland Magazine that Elvis was also a huge musical inspiration Wonderland Magazine
With role models like these, it’s no wonder she pursued a career in music. When Wade was 19, she went through a tough breakup and in an attempt to win back her boyfriend she took to Craigslist to form a band – enter the Stepbrothers, a ragtag team of musicians, but it worked. Together, the recorded her self-released album Puppets with My Heart in 2018.
Soon after she started performing in public, Wade was discovered while performing at her local FloydFest. Drummer Sadler Vaden got a hold of her album and working together, her first major-label album, Reckless, was created.
Breakthrough: Reckless and Mainstream Success
In 2021, only a few years after starting her music career, Wade signed with Sony Music and released her album Reckless. Right off the bat, she reached No. 8 on Billboard’s Folk Albums chart and topped Rolling Stone’s Best Country Albums list. Her knack for displaying grit and vulnerability through her music made her a favorite among the critics.
Her lead single “Wilder Days” became the most-played track on Absolute Radio Country in 2022 and, beloved by all, cemented her place as the most exciting new voice in Country music. Her voice, described as “scathingly honest and raw,” perfectly complements her lyrics, which tackle everything from personal heartbreak to larger societal issues. Whether it’s love, addiction, or identity, Wade never shies away from the truth, making her a refreshing and authentic voice in today’s music scene.
Evolving Sound: Psychopath and Beyond
In 2023, Wade released another album, Psychopath that further showcased her talents as a songwriter and performer. She gave us a grittier and more rock-and-roll sound that drew on her own struggles and triumphs with her journey of sobriety. Songs like “Don’t Cry” and “Ru” address the emotional and mental battles Wade herself has faced.
Her openness about her own mental health and struggle with sobriety has not only gained her respect as an artist but as a mental health advocate. “It makes me happy that that song gets people talking and they don’t feel so alone,” she shared with People magazine, referring to tracks that address addiction and recovery. “As a songwriter, I look tough with the tattoos and everything, but my music is vulnerable. It’s important to not pretend everything is perfect. That’s how we start talking about things—by finding someone else who feels the same way”.
In 2024, Wade is set to release Obsessed, an entirely self-written album that continues her evolution as an artist. With each new project, she proves herself as a road warrior and creative force, touring extensively and collaborating with artists across genres, including unexpected partnerships with Diplo and Kip Moore.
What Sets Her Apart
Morgan Wade truly stands out due to her undeniable authenticity, her “badass” vibe, and her road-warrior road ethic is matched by her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Wade’s music strikes a balance between Americana, country, and rock, giving her a unique sound that appeals to fans of multiple genres.
Morgan Wade is a one-of-a-kind artist, blending the old with the new and the tough with the tender. Her journey from a heartbroken 19-year-old college student forming a band on Craigslist to a critically acclaimed, chart-topping artist is nothing short of remarkable. With her fearless approach to songwriting, her gritty sound, and her refusal to conform to any single genre, Morgan Wade is carving out her own path in music—and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
