Lainey Wilson Surprises Fans with Performance at Exclusive Spotify ‘Whirlwind’ Album Preview Event in Nashville

On Tuesday evening, Spotify hosted an exclusive event in celebration of Lainey Wilson’s new album, Whirlwind, which allowed 150 of her top Spotify listeners around Music City to get an early preview of the entire 14-track collection before its official release on Friday, August 23. 

The event transformed the Nashville Farmers Market into the “Whirlwind Market” and offered plenty of activities for guests to take part in, from a hair braiding station to a photo booth, local honey tasting, and even a make-your-own flower bouquet station. Additionally, a delicious seafood boil was available in honor of Wilson’s Louisiana roots. 

Mid-way through the event, the ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year winner surprised fans by taking the stage to sing three tracks from her new project. She thanked all those in attendance who came to support her upcoming release and then broke out into a lively performance of the album’s lead single, “Hang Tight Honey,” which is currently climbing the charts at country radio.

Wilson continued with the heartfelt “4x4xU,” which she revealed was inspired by her love for her boyfriend, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, and delivered the live debut of the project’s title track. 

While speaking to the crowd, the Louisiana native shared that she has been working on Whirlwind for the past two years, even before releasing 2022’s Bell Bottom Country. The result is what Wilson deems to be some of the “best stuff” that she’s ever done. 

@countrynow.com @Lainey Wilson has finally found a love worth writing about. #4x4xu #laineywilson ♬ original sound – CountryNow.com

“My band got to play on this record, and these are the boys that I’ve been traveling around with for years. The ones that we would ride in that flatbed F-450 truck and strap down equipment to the back and they’re the ones that I ate dirt with” she said proudly. “So to have them be a part of this record is super, super special. And they’re all influenced and inspired by different types of music, punk, funk, blues, jazz, rock. You hear a little bit of everything and it is fun for me because they’re my best friends and I can hear little pieces of them in it.”

As cheers from the fans filled the outdoor setting, Wilson went on to thank everyone for coming and for showing her previous album so much love because it has allowed her to continue pursuing her dreams and making more music that is reflective of her life. 

“I’m getting to share a side of me that I didn’t even know existed. I’m writing about love…You’re going to hear some more sense of humor in there. I feel like I’m getting to know myself right along with y’all and thank you Spotify for doing this event. This is truly incredible. 

She continued, “It’s going to take you on a journey. Hopefully, it gives you that same peace and comfort that it brought me when I was writing and recording it and it brought me home during a time in my life where I was nowhere near it. So Love y’all.”

Throughout the year, fans can find Lainey Wilson performing in cities across North America for her current headlining Country’s Cool Again Tour. For a full list of tour dates and more information, please visit laineywilson.com.