You may remember McKenzie Claire Knapps from her VH1 win on I Know My Kid’s a Star as one-half of the Bayou Beauties, but after realizing that nothing hits like home, this Louisiana native is returning to her roots and dusting off her cowboy boots with her debut country single, Anyways.

With Anyways, McKenzie Claire is turning the page and ushering in a new chapter—one that celebrates the journey to finding yourself and your way back home, even if it is a long road. Inspired by the traditional storytelling of country greats like Dolly Parton, The Judds, and Hank Williams Jr., “Anyways” serves up a southern-sized portion of heartfelt humor and honest reflection, with delivery that feels just as natural as pearls of wisdom from your Paw Paw or bathroom banter with your besties

The single, which was brought to life by producer Brent Radar (Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner) and executive producers Kaitlyn Harris and Dr. Lyric Mandell, hints at some of the larger themes in her upcoming album—self-discovery, resilience, and finding beauty in the imperfect. In McKenzie’s words: “Anyways’ is about loving and accepting yourself, the people you hold close, and the places that shape you—even with all their flaws. Bringing this song to life helped me accept that I am blessed even when I feel like a hot mess, and I hope it does the same for you.”