“I was shocked to see my name up there,” the Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Margo Price tells Pitchfork over the phone, hours after receiving a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, her first Grammy nomination. The nod arrives in the wake of her 2017 sophomore album, All American Made, an explosive and exacting set about life in America, taking direct aim at the patriarchy and systems set up against women and working class people.

Since signing to Jack White’s Third Man Records and releasing her debut Midwest Farmer’s Daughter in 2016, Price has worked at a ceaseless pace. Speaking on the phone from Los Angeles, she casually notes that she’s already deep into the process of making her upcoming third album. With a steady lineup of live gigs ahead—and, not to mention, a new baby on the way (“I have been hiding something behind my guitar for a few months now,” she announced during a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last month)—the inquisitive, fiercely independent songwriter took a moment to reflect.

Pitchfork: Congratulations on the nomination! Where were you when you heard the news?

Margo Price: I was laying in bed, trying to get some good sleep. My phone started blowing up at 5:30 a.m… It was really hard to go back to bed after that! [laughs] I’ve watched the Grammys since I was a kid. I’ve dreamed about being there as long as I can remember. I was pinching myself.

You were nominated for “Best New Artist.” What does that mean to you?

MP: It’s a cliché, but I’m just honored to be nominated. I think, and correct me if I’m wrong, I might be the only indie artist in that category. So I might be “new” because I’m still on a smaller label. I don’t know, but I’ll take it.

Was it particularly rewarding to be recognized for such a staunchly political country album?

MP: For sure. I know that the album didn’t impress everybody. I’m sure it made other organizations shy away from me. So it really means a lot that the Recording Academy is paying attention and digging what I’m doing.

You’re nominated among a lot of friends and collaborators: John Prine, Brandi Carlile…

MP: Yeah, I think that’s huge. I’ve been texting with [Carlile] all morning. It’s really surreal. I’m super proud of her. She’s been working for so long and put out so many records. It gives me hope, too.

I know you’re a big fan of Kendrick Lamar, who led the nominations this year.

MP: He’s so badass. I love his work.

What other albums have you been into?

MP: I have to be honest, I’ve listened to Cardi B’s album quite a bit. [laughs] Also, Father John Misty God’s Favorite Customer. I also really like Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer; Brian Wilson was involved in that. It’s just a brilliant record. And then, Brent Cobb, Leon Bridges, the Milk Carton Kids… So much talent this year.

After Recording Academy President Neil Portnow’s comments about last year’s male-dominated ceremony, saying women needed to “step up,” all of this year’s major categories were led by women. Do you feel like this represents a shift in the industry?

MP: Yeah, that was… a pretty off-putting comment. So this year, it was great to see more female nominations to even the playing field. I think other organizations should take note from that—not only having both men and women nominated but also being racially diverse. There’s a lot of organizations that are very white.

Are you planning to attend the ceremony?

MP: I think I will, though I’ll be maybe six months pregnant. [laughs] But I’m in good company with that. Watching Beyoncé perform while she was expecting was really powerful.

In your career, you’ve worked at a prolific pace. Does a moment like this make you want to look back at all you’ve accomplished?

MP: Artistically, I’m always trying to look forward and not get stuck on anything, but I’m really proud of All American Made and its reception. This is definitely a happy time in my life. It’s been a good day.

https://pitchfork.com/news/margo-price-talks-best-new-artist-grammy-nomination