Kacey Musgraves ‘Middle of Nowhere’: Track List, Singles & Release Date
A first look at the songs, collaborators, and sound of her upcoming sixth album.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Date Published: April 28, 2026
Middle of Nowhere is the sixth studio album from Kacey Musgraves, set for release on May 1, 2026 via Lost Highway Records.
The album marks a reflective new chapter for Musgraves, written during a period of personal growth and independence. Inspired by her hometown of Golden, Texas - where a sign reading “Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere” sparked the concept - the project leans into themes of solitude, transition, and self-discovery.
Sonically, the album blends traditional country textures like pedal steel and Texas dancehall rhythms with elements of bluegrass, pop, Norteño, and Zydeco, continuing Musgraves’ signature genre-blending approach.
Background & Inspiration
Musgraves describes the album as her most introspective work yet, created during “the longest single period” of her life following a breakup.
The record explores the idea of liminal space, both emotional and physical, and embraces the discomfort of being in-between chapters. That perspective shapes both the album’s storytelling and its stripped-down, roots-driven sound.
The project was co-produced by longtime collaborators:
Daniel Tashian
Ian Fitchuk
Together, they return to a more organic, Texas-influenced sound while still pushing boundaries.
“The bulk of this record was made during the longest single period of my life”, says Kacey, and I found that for the first time, it actually felt incredible being alone and existing in a space not defined by anyone else. I became fascinated with the concept of liminal space, both geographical and emotional. We don’t linger in these transitional, empty spaces long enough and rush to define where or whatever is next. I became so at ease with being in the “middle of nowhere” in many senses and sitting in the un-comfort of the undefined. I had a lot of time for creative ambling and leaning into myself in different ways; horses, humor, writing with my early collaborators again, and living out my very simple, inspired life between Texas, Tennessee, and Mexico.”
‘Middle of Nowhere’ Track List
Middle of Nowhere
Dry Spell
Back on the Wagon
I Believe in Ghosts
Abilene
Coyote (feat. Gregory Alan Isakov)
Loneliest Girl
Everybody Wants To Be a Cowboy (feat. Billy Strings)
Horses and Divorces (feat. Miranda Lambert)
Uncertain, Texas (feat. Willie Nelson)
Rhinestoned
Mexico Honey
Hell on Me
Singles from the Album
“Dry Spell”
The lead single, “Dry Spell,” introduces the album with sharp wit and self-aware lyricism. The track blends humor and honesty, showcasing Musgraves’ ability to balance vulnerability with playful storytelling.
The music video was co-directed by Musgraves alongside Hannah Lux Davis.
“Loneliest Girl”
The song “Loneliest Girl” will be going for adds on country radio starting on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Collaborations to Watch
The album features a standout lineup of collaborators, highlighting both Musgraves’ Texas roots and her genre-crossing style:
Willie Nelson
Miranda Lambert
Billy Strings
Gregory Alan Isakov
Notable Performances & Promotion
Scheduled to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 17, 2026.
Featured in a recent interview on CBS Sunday Morning.
This rollout follows the success of her previous album Deeper Well, which debuted at No. 1 on multiple charts and produced the Grammy-winning song “The Architect.”
Lost Highway Records
Kacey Musgraves has signed to Nashville-based Lost Highway Records. The 8x Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter is the first artist signed by the relaunched label – and she was the final artist signed to Lost Highway in 2011. In 2012, Lost Highway was absorbed by Mercury Nashville while she was working on her debut studio album, Same Trailer, Different Park.
“Lost Highway was always a musical stable for artists who might be considered outliers or outlaws; those who live on the fringe,” recalls Kacey Musgraves. “In 2011, when other record labels questioned my songwriting and my more traditional country sound, Lost Highway believed in me, signing me to my first label deal and helped me take my music around the world. That journey has now come full circle in such a special way with John Janick and Interscope and I’m deeply honored to be able to once again call Lost Highway my musical home.”
FAQ: Kacey Musgraves ‘Middle of Nowhere’
When is Kacey Musgraves’ new album coming out?
Middle of Nowhere is set for release on May 1, 2026.
What is the lead single from the album?
The first single is “Dry Spell.”
Who is featured on the album?
The album includes collaborations with Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings, and Gregory Alan Isakov.
What inspired ‘Middle of Nowhere’?
The album was inspired by Musgraves’ hometown in Texas and explores themes of solitude, personal growth, and transitional life phases.
Will Kacey Musgraves perform songs from the album live?
She is scheduled to perform at the ACM Awards on May 17, 2026, and is expected to include new material in upcoming performances.
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