MUSIC

For Miranda Lambert, a more serene image

By Rebecca L. Tullar
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Texas native Miranda Lambert did not win her season on "Nashville Star," but the show did launch her career. She has gone on to record two hit albums, "Kerosene" in 2005, which debuted at No. 1 on the country charts, and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" earlier this year. We spoke with Lambert, who is scheduled to sing Saturday at the Domain tree lighting, while she was on the road.

XL: Was the creative process different for your second album, 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'?

Lambert: "Kerosene" seemed to be more of an angry rocker chick. The second album seems to have some of the old and a few songs that show a more vulnerable side, in a ballad country form. ... My point of view has changed. I don't want to be known as the angry chick.

Do you have a favorite song from the second album?

It changes all the time. My current favorite is "Desperation."

You have said that Jack Ingram and your producer Frank Lidell influence your music. Can you tell me more about that and other influences?

Jack Ingram is my hero. I've followed him since I was 17. Frank Lidell was his producer. Merle Haggard — I know, everyone says that.

What do you consider a good day off?

Being home, at my farm in Oklahoma with my animals. I love hunting deer and turkey. Last Christmas we had venison that I shot earlier. I donate meat from hunts to Hunters for the Hungry.

You grew up in Longview and are proud to be a native Texan. Why is your farm in Oklahoma?

He's 6 feet tall with dark hair. He's my boyfriend. I know it's practically betrayal to live in Oklahoma, but I miss my boyfriend. I love coming home to him.

What do you like to do in Austin? Restaurants? Outdoors?

I love Austin. I love Hill's Café. I'm looking forward to seeing my little brother because he just moved there. He's at UT.

What are your plans for the rest of this year?

I'm touring a lot. I'm looking forward to the holidays for the down time and seeing family.

What are your plans for next year? Anything for the next album?

I will be touring for a while. I'm not sure though about the third album. I haven't started writing it yet.

Can you tell me more about the new single, 'Gun Powder and Lead' (from 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'), that you sang at the CMAs? It was written when you were getting your concealed handgun license.

I wrote it with (singer/songwriter) Heather Little. It's a fun song with a good message: abused women standing up for themselves. Growing up, my family took in and cared for abused women and children. I saw firsthand the damage to a family. I didn't really think about it till I wrote this song.