Morgan Wade has high hopes for the future of country music. 

The breakout star placed her name on the map in 2021 with her major-label debut album, "Reckless." The 10-song project not only touches on complex topics, but she pushes the boundaries of country with her country-rock sound. 

Following the success of her successful single "Wilder Days," and critically acclaimed producer Sadler Vaden and music engineer Paul Ebersold cultivated six additional tracks for 'Reckless (Deluxe Edition).' The well-crafted collection about addiction, love, mental health, and loss scored Wade an invitation to the Grand Ole Opry and an opportunity to tour with some of the biggest names in the genre. 

The songstress is currently on a nationwide run with Luke Combs and will later join Chris Stapleton for select dates. Wade told CMT that their decision to include a new female artist on their roster reflects the positive shift country music is experiencing today. 

"I think it's so cool that Chris has two females out with him," said Wade referring to Elle King. "You go and look at the festival lineups, and a lot of times, there's not a lot of females. Although, it's getting so much better because all these guys are like, 'no…this has to change.'"

Wade continued to point out the progress the country landscape has made thus far and how she's feeling extra optimistic. 

"I like how things are evolving," she said with hope in her voice. "I want it to be a nonjudgmental place. We all come to music because it doesn't matter what you look like or anything like that. You know, I get a lot of flak for my tattoos. It should be just about the music. You look back at some of these older songwriters and singers who said whatever they wanted. I think every generation has its people." 

The raw artist, known for her raspy vocals and blunt personality, hopes to persevere and contribute to the change. 

"I just want to continue to evolve and make music I want to make. Music brings us together. You go to these festivals and concerts all around, and people meet people. They make friends, and we're just there for the same thing. I think it should always be that way. That's where I'm at, just being accepting of everybody and letting everybody be themselves. I think we can do that," she stressed. 

Wade said that her primary motive would be transparent in her upcoming sophomore collection, as she is walking to the beat of her own drum without any pressure to be someone she's not. 

"I'm super excited because this new stuff is going to be great," Wade expressed. "'Reckless' was a debut record, so we did not have a bunch of people pressuring for anything then. That's how we want to go into this next one, without thinking about what we have to do for others. Sadler said to me, 'you didn't have any pressure with the first one, don't have any pressure with the second – just go.'" 

The fast-rising artist explained that her sound has drastically changed since breaking into the country space. The full-length record is expected to come in the spring of 2023 and will showcase Wade's growth as a vocalist and new genre-bending flair. 

"My sound is evolving, which you should want as an artist. If everything sounded the same, that wouldn't be great," she said. "I'm not making "Reckless" part two – we're moving on, and we have some stuff coming soon. The next record is definitely in 2023, but it's getting me into the studio. I'm super excited because this new stuff is going to be great. I've been able to write a bunch with new people, so that's been really cool."

Wade went into detail about the project and said that her next chapter might have more of a "grungy" feel. 

"You look at 'Reckless,' and it's such a blend of things. It's definitely what the next record is still going to be, every song sounds different. Everything kind of has its own flow of things. So, that's the thing about working with Sadler Vaden, we take the song and get really creative with it. There's a little bit of something for everybody because then you can't put it in a box." 

Once the album is complete, she hopes to bring her creative vision to life and include additional assets that convey the untold stories. 

"I am really looking at this as a collective project, not just a record. I want a lot of stuff going in with it," CMT's Next Women of Country member clarified. "I think a lot of artists are doing that now. They are packaging stuff and making it more cinematic. I am so excited, it's a little stressful and tedious, but it's just fun!" 

Wade has not confirmed an official release date, but said that the tracklist would include several collaborations. Until the new material, listeners can catch the country mainstay on the Middle of Somewhere Tour. For tickets and upcoming appearances, visit morganwademusic.com.