Miranda Lambert Prepares New Album 'Postcards From Texas', Looks Back On 20 Years Of 'Kerosene'

Sitting opposite Miranda Lambert, it's hard not to be struck by the strength, determination and “fuck around and find out” attitude that defined one of country music's most promising debut albums. OilLambert's first major label LP, turns 20 next year, and the Texas songwriter reflects on everything that led up to its 2005 release.

“When I first started, I wanted longevity, a long career and relevance and to be able to play as long as I could naturally play,” says Lambert. Rolling rock. “Thankfully, I have a better balance than the early days when you were kicking your ass doing 200 shows a year.”

On this day in July, Lambert is preparing to headline the Under the Big Sky music festival in Whitefish, Montana. Later that night, the singer and her airtight band will take the stage in front of more than 20,000 country music fans. “I started really young, playing bars in Texas at 17,” he says. “So literally my whole adult life was country music — writing songs and playing shows.”

Now 40, Lambert is preparing to expand Oil20 years with a new project. “It feels like 20 days [ago], it's 200 years, you know?' she laughs. “But this record I just made is more like my original record.”

Titled Postcard from TexasLambert's latest offer arrives on September 13. A collection of musical highlights from sessions at Austin's Arlyn Recording Studios, the album is an ode to her hometown, as well as Lambert's ability to evolve without forgetting her past.

“I'm still making music that could go on Oil,” says Lambert, referring to the bare crunch and grace of the songbird at his heart Postcard from Texas. “I've evolved as an artist, but that fiery girl is still here in the spotlight.”

Before Carrie Underwood sang about “digging her key in the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive” and Taylor Swift dismissed an ex as “just another photo to burn,” Lambert was lighting the torch for a new era of revenge in country . with her 2005 hit “Kerosene”. “Light 'em up and watch 'em burn/Teach 'em what they need to learn,” he quipped.

Earlier this spring, he fantasized about other fiery escapades, donning a pair of unfaithful cowboy jeans on “Wranglers,” the first single. Postcard from Texas. On Wednesday, she debuted “Alimony,” a song that celebrates coming out on the bright side of a divorce.

Growing up in the Lone Star State, Lambert emerged from a home with a singer-songwriter father who played his daughter a medley of songs by Merle Haggard, John Prine, David Allen Coe and the Eagles. Listening to those works of heartbreak and redemption, Lambert found inspiration and fuel for her dreams of one day becoming a performer herself.

“I love the song. That's where it starts for me,” Lambert says of her quest to either scratch or discover the next tune to add to her catalog. “Everything else doesn't matter – a good song is a good song .”

Lambert is looking for good songwriting with her latest venture, Big Loud Texas. A subsidiary of Big Loud Records, Lambert and Jon Randall, her co-producer on Postcard from Texas, launched the label last year in an effort to sign and develop up-and-coming acts. Their first is Austin songwriter Dylan Gossett.

“It opened up this new passion of being a mentor to other artists and to new artists,” says Lamberts. “And seeing the fire of these artists in their 20s, full of bitterness and vinegar, I love it because I was there and I'm still there.”

It's almost showtime and Lambert emerges from her dressing room trailer. Golden hour is also upon us, with Big Sky Country transforming into bright pinks, purples and oranges up high. On the other side of the fence are thousands of people eagerly waiting for her to sing hits like “White Liar,” “Gunpowder & Lead” and the 20-year-old “Kerosene.”

“I feel like I still have so much to give, so much more art and so many more songs to write,” says Lambert. “I hope I can be an example for artists who really focus on being who they are and stick with it — because it works.”

Postcard from Texas track list: