It’s late July. Lainey Wilson is somewhere in Iowa, holding her French bulldog named Hippie close to her chest. On her tour bus, she reflects on her journey as she prepares to release her fifth studio album, “Whirlwind,” a decade after her debut record.

Wilson, a slow success story, grew up on a farm in rural Louisiana. Her path to Nashville was filled with open mic nights and hard work. But it all paid off when she found success with her single “Things a Man Oughta Know” and her album “Bell Bottom Country”.

Despite the challenges, Wilson’s passion for music never wavered. Now, she’s a Grammy winner, a CMA entertainer of the year, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The release of “Whirlwind” marks a new chapter for Wilson. The album captures the whirlwind of her life, featuring collaborations with artists like Miranda Lambert. The songs showcase Wilson’s growth as an artist and her ability to tell relatable stories.

“Country music brings you home,” Wilson says of the genre’s popularity. “And everybody wants to feel at home.”

As Wilson travels across the country on tour, her roots and her journey are always on her mind. “Whirlwind” serves as a refuge in the chaos of everyday life, offering a sense of peace and connection to her listeners.

For Lainey Wilson, the journey to success has been a whirlwind, but she remains grounded in her love for music and storytelling. And that’s something we can all relate to.