Breaking Barriers: Mickey Guyton Talks ‘House On Fire,’ Redefining Country, And Inspiring A Movement

Earlier this year, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” craze had us all wrapped up in silhouette-hugging denim, cowboy boots, and synchronized line dances. Since then country music and its Black artists have started to see a new kind of resurgence. At the heart of it is Mickey Guyton, a soulful songstress whose impact has transcended the genre’s traditional boundaries. Since breakout 2014 EP Unbreakable, Guyton has blazed trails for many of today’s Black country artists and inspired the likes of Beyoncé, who famously sent her flowers and thanked her for breaking down barriers in the genre. With her latest studio album, House on Fire, Guyton isn’t just participating in the country’s renaissance—she is the renaissance. 

Rooted in her deep Southern heritage and carried by her powerful, spiritual vocals, the Arlington, Texas native’s journey reflects the hard-fought challenges faced by Black artists navigating the country music scene. For years, Guyton has quietly pushed boundaries, finally earning her well-deserved recognition in 2021 as the first Black female artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the country music category. With songs like “Black Like Me,” Guyton finds creative freedom by weaving her real-life experiences into her lyrics, giving listeners a sense of home, and authenticity in every note.

During her conversation with VIBE, Guyton dove into the inspiration behind “House on Fire,” headlining the CMT On Tour Presents Mickey Guyton Tour, the joys and challenges of motherhood, and the mental fortitude to inspire a movement.

VIBE: Congratulations on the upcoming release of House on Fire! What inspired the overall theme of the album, and how does it reflect where you are in your life right now? 

Mickey Guyton: I wrote House on Fire during Mental Health Awareness Month because mental health is something I’ve been deeply focused on. The song is also about my husband, and in many ways, the entire album House on Fire is a love letter to him and our relationship. Life brings us all challenges, and we carry those battles into our relationships. But when you strip everything down to the core of who someone really is—their beauty, their pain, all the things that make them whole—it’s incredible how you can truly see and appreciate that person for who they are, and let them be themselves.

One of the standout tracks, “Scary Love,” was inspired by your son Grayson’s near-death experience. Could you share more about that moment and how it shaped this song?

In 2021, when my son was just nine months old, he got really sick, and it turned septic. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. We were in the ER, and I was watching him lose consciousness. I remember asking the nurse, ‘Is he going to die?’ And she said, ‘I’m not going to lie to you. I’m very concerned. He is the sickest person in the ER right now.’ This was during the height of COVID, and I just fell to my knees and started praying. I held the hand of a woman on a stretcher next to me, and we prayed together for my son.

That kind of love is terrifying. Before we have kids, we wonder why our moms are so protective, but once I had my own, I understood. That’s what this song is about—the overwhelming, beautiful love of being a parent. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, but it’s also terrifying. You’re constantly on edge because you love something so precious.

House on Fire features powerful songs like “Make It Me” and “My Side of the Country.” What message do you hope listeners take away from these songs?

My Side of the Country is the intro to the album because we’re in the middle of this huge country music renaissance. It feels like everyone is singing country right now, which is amazing! I even think I heard or read something about Chad possibly releasing a country song. It’s such an exciting time for country music—we’ve got stars like J. Carter dropping massive country records this year, and there are so many versions of the genre. There’s East Coast country, Southern country, and it’s everywhere across this beautiful nation.

I wanted to show listeners my own take on it, which is what Make It Me is all about. It’s such a fun song. It reminds me of when I first realized I loved my husband. We’ve known each other for a long time, but when it hit me that he was the one, I just knew I had to lock it down and make it official. That’s what the song is really about—that moment of clarity and excitement when you know you’ve found your person.

You’re about to kick off your first-ever headlining tour in Washington, DC. How does it feel to be embarking on this new chapter, and what can fans expect from your live shows? 

Yes, I just kicked off my first tour in Washington, DC, and it was such a beautiful experience. Honestly, I feel like I’m in my second rebuilding era. I’ve been doing music for a long time, but I really found success during the pandemic, when everyone was stuck inside. Now, with everyone back outside, it feels incredible to finally connect with fans in person—especially those who have been wanting to see me live for so long but never had the chance before. This tour is so empowering, and it’s such an exciting new chapter for me. I can’t wait to bring this energy to Dallas and beyond.

With stops in cities like New York, Dallas, and Chicago, are there any particular venues or cities you’re most excited to perform in?

I love Atlanta. The energy there is incredible! And performing in the DMV was such a special experience. A lot of the shows I do in country music have predominantly different audiences, but when I’m in places like DC or Atlanta, I see so many people who look like us. It’s so refreshing and beautiful to see such a diverse crowd coming together for these shows. Getting the chance to perform in these areas has been amazing, and I’m grateful to connect with so many different faces along the way.

You’ve made history as the first Black female country artist to perform at the Grammys and be nominated for a Grammy. How does it feel to be a trailblazer in country music, and what advice would you give to other aspiring artists who may feel out of place in certain genres? 

Being a trailblazer in country music is something I didn’t expect, and while it’s an honor, it definitely comes with its challenges. When you’re breaking barriers, you’re faced with a lot of adversity, and you have to be strong. Sometimes, that strength is hard to find, but I accept the assignment. At the same time, being a trailblazer means putting your ego aside. It’s about more than just being the first—it’s about opening doors for others.

Especially in a genre like country music, where diversity has historically been limited, it’s not enough to simply be the first to break through. You have to ensure that you’re creating a path for others to follow. It’s incredibly important to reach back and mentor, to make sure the door stays open for more people of color to walk through. And this idea applies to any line of work, whether you’re in country music, finance, or any other industry. If you’re in a position to lead, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re uplifting others, so we can all build that generational wealth and success together.

Performing at both the Democratic National Convention and the US Open are significant moments. How do you feel music can unite and uplift during such pivotal moments in our culture?

Many people, like Bill Withers, Lovely Day, and Grandma’s Hands, so often themselves, were like spiritual songs called American. I wrote it because it seems like it’s been very difficult to find peace and unity in our country. I wanted to write a song trying to unite us because America is everything. I wrote a patriotic American song and talked about dookie braids. I lived in downtown Los Angeles at the time when all the Black Lives Matter protests were going on, and I was pregnant, so I had to stay inside, but I could see it all happening. I felt unity. As an empath I write songs that move me when I see something happening, it’s like therapy for me. 

Beyoncé sent you flowers in recognition of the impact you’ve had on paving the way for Black artists in country music. How did it feel receiving that acknowledgment from her, and what does it mean to you to have her support?

I’ve admired her for such a long time. When she announced she was making a ‘Beyoncé record,’ not a country album, I was so excited. She didn’t say it was a country album, but there’s definitely a lot of country influence in there, and it felt so good to be acknowledged by her. She’s brought so many eyes to the genre. Definitely something I could have never done on my own. I’m just excited that country music is here to stay and evolving in such amazing ways.

You were named TIME’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year. How have these recognitions shaped your journey, and what’s next for you in terms of pushing boundaries in the country music genre?

As for being named Time Magazine’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and CMT’s Breakout Artist, it’s all still so surreal. Honestly, I struggle with imposter syndrome. Even now, it’s hard for me to feel like I really deserve it. But I know I want to keep showing up, keep pushing myself, and keep growing. My first album was just the beginning. I’m already writing for what’s next.

While you’re a country artist, you’ve expressed your love for Hip-Hop and developed friendships with artists like Cardi B and GloRilla. How do these influences shape your own music, and do you see any cross-genre collaborations in the future?

I can’t rap, and trust me, you don’t want that from me! I’d probably offend everybody if I tried. But hey, I’m a fan from afar, and I know my limits. There are people who can rap and dance like no one else, and I admire that. Maybe if you gave me some tequila, I’d drop a verse or two, but today’s not the day! 

Now, my son Grayson? He’s three and a half, and he’s obsessed with ‘Euphoria.’ Every morning when we get in the car, he’s like, ‘Mom, play Euphoria!’ It’s the cutest thing! I’ve thought about how artists like Kendrick Lamar have shaped my perspective.

When it comes to Hip-Hop, what inspires me the most is how unapologetically authentic it is. There’s no holding back, and I admire that so much. In my own music, I try to channel that confidence. I have a lot of thoughts, and sometimes I hesitate to say too much, but Hip-Hop has taught me to embrace the power of just being yourself. You are enough, and that’s what I bring into my own writing.”

Kendrick or Drake?

I obviously love Drake. But Kendrick’s impact, especially after Juneteenth, had me in tears. Watching him unite people with his music was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever witnessed. He’s not just important to music—he’s important to culture. Forever and ever again.

You’ve come such a long way since auditioning for American Idol in Season 7. Looking back, how has that experience influenced your journey, and what would you tell yourself back then? 

I would tell my younger self to leave, not because I didn’t love American Idol, but you know, your music is so relative, and when you have so many different people, all you’re trying to do is be special enough. Not realizing you are special, just being who you are – never give up. Regardless of what happens in that competition, don’t worry, that doesn’t define who you are. When I didn’t make it to the top 24 that was devastating. It hurt for like, a week, and then I got over it. I just got back up.

Your debut album, Remember Her Name, earned multiple Grammy nominations. How does House on Fire differ from your debut album, and what growth do you see in yourself as an artist between the two? 

House on Fire is more of my personality, and it’s more about love. It’s actually what I was writing before I wrote Remember Her Name. I’ve been writing songs for years. I just took a hard left to write something else that was important to me at that time. But House on Fire is who I am, so people can really see my personality.

In addition to your music, you’ve co-hosted major events like the ACM Awards and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special. Are there any other areas in entertainment you’d like to explore in the future?

I would love to have my own talk show. I love celebrating people. I love talent, I love humans, and I would love to have a talk show to represent our communities. My mom always said, “Find your purpose.” I feel that is my purpose. 

Finally, what are you most excited about as you step into this next chapter with House on Fire and your headlining tour? 

I’m most excited about just being there. There was a lot of weight on my shoulders for the first album. Additionally, so much – was going on in my life, mentally and personally. Now, I’m finally free in this era.