Meet Lainey Lou, the Wisconsin-born singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in the warm, grounded storytelling tradition of folk and Americana. Hailing from the small town of Nekoosa, her stage name—a heartfelt nod to her father—is a constant reminder of home and the early spark of creativity that stayed with her as she studied voice, piano, and guitar, eventually earning a music degree from UW-Milwaukee's Peck School of the Arts.

Lainey’s sound defies strict labels, living somewhere between folk, Americana, and acoustic storytelling. She offers music that is personal, sincere, and refreshingly unpretentious, shaped by a deep appreciation for everything from classical to jazz. Ultimately, Lainey Lou's goal is simpler and more powerful than forcing profound revelations: to offer listeners a space to unwind, listen, and feel seen, reminding us all that there is beauty and shared meaning in the ordinary.

Inspired by the legendary outlaw from Holes—both the book and the film—this haunting folk ballad breathes new life into the iconic character of Kissin' Kate Barlow. With lyrics that echo the poetic weight of Proverbs and vocals that cut like a whip, Lainey Lou reimagines Kate not as a villain, but as a complex, empowered woman shaped by pain and myth. 📖 "Her lips drip honey... but she'll lead you straight to the grave." Drawing from a moment of reflection on a biblical passage about the "adulterous woman," Lainey Lou challenges narrow interpretations and flips the narrative. What some see as a warning, she sees as power—and that tension fuels this song. 

💄 Red lipstick. Cold revenge. A devil in disguise. This is The Ballad of Kissin’ Kate Barlow.

This track captures that unique, "on top of the world" feeling you get from a simple, unexpected moment of joy. Lainey Lou shares that the song was inspired by walking into a smoky dive bar in Rudolph, Wisconsin, dressed "to the nines" after a wedding, and discovering the simple fun of playing pull tabs with her family. It’s a heartfelt and slightly goofy ode to the small-town, corner-bar queen who finds her "lucky seven" in the midst of life's daily grind. It's a reminder that there is beauty and fun in being a total outsider and finding brief, dazzling moments of magic. Lyric Highlight: "Honey you're my pull tab princess / The nicest thing I've seen." Hit the like button if you appreciate a good corner bar moment, and tell us about your favorite "unlikely" place to feel like royalty!