Rising country star Lanie Gardner is kicking off 2025 with a bang. Named one of the Recording Academy’s Top 25 Artists to Watch and Amazon Music’s 2025 Artists to Watch, Gardner is gearing up for a year filled with new music, a tour, and plenty of momentum. I sat down with her at CRS in Nashville to discuss her latest single and her upcoming album.
Industry Recognition and What It Means
When asked how it felt to receive such prestigious recognition, Gardner admitted that it caught her by surprise but served as a huge motivator.
“I think the fact that it came out of nowhere was just really encouraging,” she said. “We’re probably going to be moving pretty fast this year, so it was just a little glimpse of what we could accomplish. It encouraged me and my team to keep doing what we’re doing. We’re doing something right. It was a good feeling to just be up there with other artists that I admire as well.”
From a “Joke Song” to a Bold Anthem
Gardner recently dropped her latest single, “Buzzkill,” a fiery track born out of sheer frustration.
Her inspiration? A friend who kept bringing around “really mean girls.” “They were awful. The typical mean girl,” she recalled. No one called them out, so Gardner took matters into her own hands—by writing a song. What started as a “goofy little joke song” became something much bigger. She never planned to release it, but after hearing how it turned out, she couldn’t resist.
The accompanying music video brought “Buzzkill” to life in an equally compelling way. While Gardner didn’t create the concept herself, she was involved in the editing process.
“I wish I could take credit for it, but mostly it was the director and the film editors,” she said. “I ended up being in the room as they were editing it, so I had a little creative vision as far as the flow.”
The experience of making the video was surprisingly enjoyable. “Just how fun it could be,” she said when asked what stood out. “It was a low-stress environment, and I think it depends on who you’re working with as well. I love working with these guys—I’ve worked with them on several music videos. They keep coming back with incredible ideas.”
The shoot was filled with memorable moments, including a playful one where Freya, the wrestler in the video, joked about lifting up Mariana, who played the Buzzkill character.
Watch the Video for “Buzzkill”
A Journey from YouTube to the Main Stage
Gardner’s love for music started early. She grew up singing and began posting music videos on YouTube in high school. Seeing the response, she realized she might be able to turn her passion into a career.
“I thought, ‘Maybe I could be an artist and change people’s lives as other artists have for me,’” she shared.
She pursued a degree in music business at MTSU but left after signing her record deal—an opportunity too big to pass up.
Her songwriting has evolved significantly over time. “I think as a woman, maturing, and writing about things that are deeper,” she explained. Looking back on her early work, she laughed, “How did I know about love? I didn’t.”
Now, her lyrics explore a broader range of emotions, including anger and sarcasm. “If I’m tryin’ to just roast somebody on a song, I can do that pretty well,” she joked. “Buzzkill” is a prime example, and her upcoming album will feature another track in a similar vein, “You’re Mad.”
A Genre-Blending Album on the Horizon
Gardner’s highly anticipated album is set to release later this year, and she describes it as an eclectic mix of country, R&B, and rock—blended seamlessly.
“There’s definitely an era,” she explained. “I want each album to feel like an era, reflecting what I’m listening to at the time and different parts of me. This one has dancey songs, sad songs, nostalgia, and country, of course. I’m excited about this album, for sure.”
What does she hope listeners take from it? “I just want ‘em to dance to it, make memories with it, and maybe be thrown back in time with the nostalgia of songs.”
As for her next single? That remains a mystery—for now. But one thing is certain: 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Lanie Gardner, and fans won’t want to miss a beat.
